In US Media Interview: "If Informed, Would Have Lost $7 Billion Monthly Since October Last Year"
Growing Internal Backlash in Ukraine: "Is Economy More Important Than People's Lives?"
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the reason why he did not warn in advance about the possibility of a Russian invasion. This has sparked criticism within Ukraine, questioning whether President Zelensky prioritized the economy over the safety of the people.
The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 18th (local time) that President Zelensky admitted he knew about the possibility of a Russian invasion but did not inform the public, which has led to strong backlash.
In an interview with WP, President Zelensky explained that although U.S. officials informed him of Russia’s invasion plans, he did not share this information internally in Ukraine because he was concerned that the Ukrainian people would be thrown into panic and flee abroad, or that the economy would collapse.
He also said, "If we had communicated this, we would have lost $7 billion (about 9.3 trillion KRW) every month since October last year."
He further argued that his decision was correct, stating that Ukraine was able to fiercely resist the initial Russian invasion and protect the capital Kyiv.
Following these remarks by President Zelensky, WP reported that criticism has arisen within Ukraine.
Many Ukrainians are opposing him, saying that he prioritized the economy over the safety of the people.
There are also voices saying that if the Ukrainian government had sufficiently prepared the people for war, many lives could have been saved.
Ukrainska Pravda’s editor-in-chief wrote on Facebook on the 17th, saying "It is unpleasant," and added, "I would not have fled." She also pointed out that the potential loss of $7 billion per month should be compared with the numerous sacrifices caused by the Russian invasion and the damage to the southern occupied territories.
Another journalist questioned, "Knowing the situations in Mariupol, Bucha, and Kherson, how can one say that great damage would have spread to the country?"
There are also opinions defending President Zelensky.
A university lecturer said on Facebook, "Those who read articles about the U.S. intelligence reports (in Ukrainian media) and still did not pack their bags themselves are not in a position to claim they were not warned in advance."
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