This is entirely our tragedy: Zelensky on Kremlin's policies

The BBC has highlighted key quotes from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's interview with Russian journalists where he discussed Kremlin's policies.

“Unfortunately, we do not see Ukraine's independence. This is entirely our tragedy. We need to be accepted as an independent state, and not as some product, as part of a larger entity that the current president of Russia sees himself as leading. We consider ourselves an independent state with a rich, profound history and morality,” Zelensky stated.

The president also spoke about Mariupol: “The city is blocked by Russian military forces. All entrances and exits to Mariupol are shut off. The port is mined. Inside the city, the humanitarian disaster is evident, as it is impossible to deliver food, medicine, and water. Russian troops have fired on humanitarian convoys. Drivers have been killed.”

Regarding the attitude towards Russians, he remarked, “Despite the fact that I am president and must be quite pragmatic, my attitude has deteriorated since the 24th. The emotional component towards the Russian Federation and its people has vanished.”