Over two-and-a-half years since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of his country, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Le Monde, Libération, L'Equipe and Agence France-Presse about the situation on the front line, which he describes as "difficult," and the possible outcome of the war, during a visit to Rivne in the northwest of the country.
Why didn't you attend the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics?
I would have gladly accepted Emmanuel Macron's invitation, but our country is going through a difficult period. The Russians are striking our territory. They don't care that the Olympic Games are taking place right now. They've been hitting our energy infrastructure for several months.
The Olympics can probably be described as a political event, but for me, it's first and foremost a great celebration. For all the athletes, of course, and for France, most of all. For our team, taking part in the Olympic Games in wartime is already a victory. But for our country, it's no celebration.
Fifteen Russian and 18 Belarusian athletes have been authorized by the International Olympic Committee to compete under a neutral banner. Are you satisfied with this decision?
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