Ukraine may follow Israeli model of protracted war – Zelenskyy

President Zelenskyy stated this in an interview on the evening of Sunday, August 27, 2023, on the United News telethon.

"Israel has been in a prolonged conflict. We're observing their warfare tactics. Our readiness to engage in an extended conflict, while minimizing human loss, is aligned with this approach. This mirrors the way Israel manages casualties," 

Israeli model

Zelenskyy elaborated on the Israeli model, stating, "We are establishing a model akin to Israel's in collaboration with the United States of America. This model encompasses weaponry, technology, training, and financial support."

According to Zelenskyy, an international agreement ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine needs to be ratified in the Congress and the parliaments of European Union countries. 

He commented, "These matters require congressional approval and similar support from the parliaments of European nations."

We will demilitarize Crimea – Zelenskyy

Discussing the potential approach towards Crimea, Zelenskyy stated, "To mitigate casualties, we aim to push for Russia's demilitarization in Ukrainian Crimea once we reach its administrative or hypothetical borders." 

He emphasized that this strategy could spare Ukrainian military personnel.

"I think it would be better. First of all, we need to think about those who will carry it out," the president added.

Ukrainian army will not cross Russia’s borders – Zelenskyy 

Zelenskyy clarified that the Ukrainian military would not cross into Russian territory, emphasizing the risks associated with such a move.

"Venturing into Russian territory carries significant risk, potentially leaving us isolated," he cautioned. 

After all, he continued, many in the world now support Ukraine due to it being a country that has suffered from the violation of its own borders.

Regarding the possibility of crossing into Russia, Zelenskyy asserted, "If I were to direct our forces into Russian territory, I must be certain that our international allies would not stand with us. It's about prioritizing the well-being of the Ukrainian people."

• During the same interview, President Zelenskyy also addressed upcoming elections, anti-corruption efforts, business inspections, and the potential nationalization of energy enterprises.