Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken out about the free world's refusal to assist Ukraine more over the fear of a nuclear exchange.
The 44-year-old European leader recently sat down with 60 Minutes' Scott Pelley to talk about the atrocities his country is facing as Ukraine approaches 50 days at war with Putin's Russia.
In response to the invasion, many western countries have invoked sanctions against Russia, its businesses, and its prominent figures.
However, during his interview with Pelley, Zelensky said that he believes many nations have calculated the cost of Ukrainian lives against the risk of nuclear war.
"Mr. President, it appears that the free world has calculated that the suffering of your people is not worth even the risk of a nuclear exchange," Pelley said to Zelensky.
In response, the Ukrainian president said (translation): "I think so. That's how it is.
"Some are using that politically, as an excuse, by saying, 'We can't defend Ukraine because there could be a nuclear war.'"
But Zelensky says that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unpredictable and that it is impossible to calculate his next move.
"I think that today, no one in this world can predict what Russia will do," Zelensky said. "If they invade further into our territory, then they will definitely move closer and closer to Europe. They will only become stronger and less predictable."
Zelensky then revealed what other nations can do in order to help Ukraine against Russia.
"Weapons, number one," he said. However, the leader added that his people need weapons quickly, or else it will be very hard to "hold on" against Russia's unrelenting pressure.
Secondly, Zelensky called for tougher sanctions against Russia - adding that "financial experts" have been able to " circumvent" many sanctions already put in place.
The Ukrainian president also sent the following message to the Western world:
"This is not a movie, this is real life. Stop fearing the Russian Federation. We've shown we are not afraid."
Last month, Zelensky called on the United States and other countries to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine that would prevent Russia from flying military vehicles over the nation.
During his 60 Minutes interview, he once again called for the world to "close the skies" above Ukraine - comparing any nation's refusal to do so to countries who refused to intervene against Germany in World War II.
"Are those countries who did not participate in the war responsible? The countries who let German forces march throughout Europe? Does the world carry responsibility for the genocide? Yes. Yes, it does," Zelensky said.
"When you [have the ability to] close the sky – yes it’s scary, that a world war could start. It’s scary. I understand [that]. And I cannot put pressure on these people because everyone is afraid of war. But whether the world [is responsible] for this, I believe so, yes. I believe so."
Zelensky then called on potential allies to "stand in front of the mirror every day and ask yourself, were you able to do something?"
If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click HERE to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis.
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