Zelensky warns Putin against speaking with Ukraine in language of threats

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President-elect of Ukraine, responded to the statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin on granting Russian citizenship to all interested Ukrainian citizens under a simplified procedure.
Zelensky advised the Russian authorities not to waste time, “trying to tempt Ukrainian citizens with the passports of the Russian Federation.”

"Perhaps, there will be someone, who is still under the influence of propaganda. Perhaps, someone will do it to earn money or to evade criminal investigations. We can even provide Vladimir Putin with a list of those Ukrainian citizens, who will soon find it very uncomfortable to live in the country they cynically robbed, abusing high positions. Let Russia decide where it most needs these ‘professionals’: in Rostov or Magadan,” Zelensky posted on Facebook.

According to Zelensky, "we know perfectly well what a Russian passport actually gives: a right to be arrested for peaceful protest, absence of opportunity for having free and competitive elections, absence of human rights and freedoms.”

“Therefore, you shouldn’t expect that many Ukrainians will seek to become that 'new oil', into which the Russian authorities are trying to transform their own people," he said.

The politician noted that Ukraine would serve as an example of democracy for the post-Soviet countries. And part of this mission will be to provide protection, asylum and Ukrainian citizenship to all, who are ready to fight for freedom, who suffers from authoritarian and corrupt regimes. Primarily, to Russians, who now suffer most.

“No one should speak with Ukraine and Ukrainians in the language of threats, military and economic pressure. It’s not the best way for ceasefire and unblocking of the Minsk process,” Ukrainian president-elect underscored.

Zelensky stressed once again that he is ready for talks.

"I hope that at the next meetings in the Normandy format, Russia will demonstrate readiness for de-escalation. The mutual exchange of our citizens in the 'all-for-all' format, without exceptions, should be a clear confirmation of this readiness,” Zelensky added.

The politician also noted that he is ready to “discuss the new conditions for the coexistence of Ukraine and Russia.”

“With the understanding that real normalization will take place only after a complete de-occupation. Of both Donbas and Crimea. Ukraine doesn't give up! In all senses," Zelensky stated.

As reported, on April 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Decree “On Defining the Categories of Persons Entitled to Apply for Citizenship of the Russian Federation under Simplified Procedure for Humanitarian Purposes.” In particular, the decree states that the residents of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine have the right to apply for acquiring the citizenship of the Russian Federation under a simplified procedure.

On April 27, Putin said Russia could simplify such procedure for acquiring citizenship to all citizens of Ukraine, not just the occupied territories of Donbas.