埼玉英語会 英検１級・準１級　コミュのZelensky warns of potential Russian nuclear strike

The world should be prepared for the possibility that Russia will target Ukraine
with a nuclear strike, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday.

Zelensky was asked in a CNN interview about whether he was worried about
recent comments by the CIA's director, who said on Thursday that Russia could
use tactical nuclear weapons in its invasion.

"Not only me - all of the world, all of the countries have to be worried because
it can be not real information, but it can be the truth," Zelensky said,
briefly switching to English for emphasis.

"We should think not be afraid, not be afraid but be ready," he continued.
"But that is not a question for Ukraine - not only for Ukraine
- but for all the world, I think."

Last month, a Kremlin spokesman said Russia would only resort to
nuclear weapons if it faced an existential threat.

Zelensky was also asked about the sinking of Russia's prized warship,
the Moskva, but was cagey about reports that it was hit by two Ukrainian missiles.

"We know that it does not exist anymore. For us, it is a strong weapon
against our country, so its sinking is not a tragedy for us.

"The less weapons the Russian Federation that has attacked our country has,
the better for us."


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Zelensky on how long the war will last



In President Zelensky's latest nightly address to the nation, he says it is difficult to
predict how long the war will last.

"Of course, I also hear different predictions. I have much more information than
some media outlets about the intentions and capabilities of the Russian army,"
he says.

"About the potential of the Russian economy. About the emotional state of society
in Russia."

He says two factors will determine the conflict's duration.

"The success of our military on the battlefield is really significant," he says.
"Historically significant. But not enough to clean our land from the occupiers yet.
We’ll beat them more," he says.

"Sanctions against Russia are very significant. Economically painful.
But still not enough for the Russian military machine to be left without means of
subsistence. We promote stronger, more destructive ones."

Zelensky adds: "If someone says: year or years, I answer: you can make
the war much shorter. The more and the sooner we get all the weapons we
have requested, the stronger our position will be and the sooner peace will come."