Zelensky comments on Kolomoisky's statements on need to resume relations with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has commented on scandalous statements by oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky regarding the need to restore relations between Ukraine and Russia.

The head of state said at a briefing in Ochakiv that the country's foreign policy should be determined by the president, with the participation of the government and society, not by individual businessmen.

"I, as president, would like to think about international relations and the vector of Ukraine, not any businessman in Ukraine. It seems to me that it is right. I, the government, the society can talk about it, but it's still state-level decisions," Zelensky said.

When asked whether it is possible to resume cooperation with Russia in the defense sector after the end of the war in Donbas, or "it will be necessary to wait for the return of Crimea," Zelensky said he generally likes the mood when people think what will happen after the war.

"This is very good because psychologically we want to end the war in the near future. I think the correct answer is, in principle, human, that when we end the war and return all territories, we will do all that benefits the economy Ukraine, for jobs, in order to develop our enterprises," Zelensky said.

On November 13, The New York Times published an article with a number of scandalous statements made by Kolomoisky.

The billionaire proposed refusing from cooperation with the IMF in favor of Russia, stressed the need to improve relations with Moscow, because, in his opinion, "they're stronger anyway," expressed confidence that Ukraine would never become a member of NATO and the European Union, and criticized the U.S. for allegedly forcing Ukraine to wage war in Donbas and for the lack of financial assistance.

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