Zelensky invites Rubio to Kyiv after his statement that war sets Ukraine back 100 years
Ukraine’s President stated this in an interview with the Associated Press, as reported by Ukrinform.
"I would like Marco Rubio to come to Ukraine. I think he really needs to see what Russia has done. He made a statement that the war has set Ukraine back a hundred years. I believe this statement raises questions. Yes, Russian missile strikes have damaged our historical heritage, and it will never look the same again. Everything will be rebuilt, but it won’t have its original appearance. Russia must be held accountable for this, including financially. But honestly, our people are ahead of the entire world — including the U.S. and Europe — in drone technology and other innovations," Zelensky said.
He emphasized that while the war has brought destruction, it has also driven significant technological progress in Ukraine.
"The war has given Ukraine nothing. But when people say it has set us back 100 years, they must also recognize the technological progress the Ukrainian people have made to withstand it," the President stated.
Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s advancements in developing various types of drones, including naval, reconnaissance, and kamikaze drones. He also pointed to progress in electronic warfare (EW) technologies and robotic systems designed to save soldiers’ lives.
"This is immense knowledge and experience that the Ukrainian people are contributing. That’s why Mr. Rubio should come to Ukraine to see both the destruction caused by Russia and the incredible resilience and innovation of the Ukrainian people," he added.
In an interview with Megyn Kelly, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the war is "setting Ukraine back 100 years" by destroying its energy infrastructure and forcing many Ukrainians to leave the country permanently.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, Zelensky has also stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin fears direct negotiations with Ukraine, viewing them as a sign of weakness and defeat.
