KYIV. April 13 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects U.S. President Joe Biden to demonstrate greater support in deterring Russia as part of the efforts to settle the situation in Donbas and hopes that Biden will help Ukraine gain membership in NATO as soon as possible.
"The U.S. is a 'good friend' of Ukraine, but President Biden 'must do more' to deter Russia and help bring this conflict to an end. More weapons, more money to fight, and, crucially, more support to join NATO. 'If they [the U.S.] see Ukraine in NATO, they have to say it directly, and do it. Not words,'" CNN writes, quoting Zelensky following his visit to Donbas on April 8-9.
Zelensky also told CNN that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is possible, and his country is bracing for it.
"Of course. We know it, from 2014 we know it [Russia's possible invasion] can be each day. They are ready, but we are also ready, because we are on our land and our territory," Zelensky said.
As reported earlier, Zelensky said during a conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on April 6 that Ukraine's accession to NATO is the only way to end the war in Donbas.
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said, in turn, that Ukraine's entry into NATO will put further strain on the security situation in Donbas.