Zelenskyy Confesses Personal Struggles as Ukraine Faces Extreme Winter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a candid admission about the toll of his leadership during the ongoing conflict, stating in an interview with Sky News, "I'm not the best father." The president revealed that his demanding role has significantly impacted his family life, particularly his time with his children, as Ukraine endures what he described as the harshest winter in decades.
Civilian Heroism Amid Energy Crisis
Speaking to international correspondent Alex Rossi in Kyiv, Zelenskyy highlighted the extraordinary efforts of Ukrainian civilians to repair energy systems repeatedly damaged by Russian attacks. He praised "phenomenal people" who have worked tirelessly, often under missile fire, to restore power and heating during a winter with temperatures plummeting to minus 30 degrees Celsius at night.
"This was the harshest winter for a couple of decades," Zelenskyy emphasized, noting the severe challenges faced by the population without adequate heating. He recounted that on Thursday alone, Russia launched 420 drones and 39 missiles, injuring dozens and damaging infrastructure, yet repair teams continued their heroic work despite the risks.
Personal Sacrifices and Presidential Duty
While acknowledging the sacrifices of civilians, Zelenskyy turned introspective about his own family. "During the war, I'm not the best father... because I don't have too much time for my children," he confessed. He framed this as a necessary choice, stating, "My choice is duty. My choice is Ukraine. That's why I said I'm no good father during the war." This heartfelt admission underscores the personal costs borne by leaders in times of national crisis.
Diplomatic Moves and Reconstruction Talks
Separately, Ukrainian and US officials met in Geneva on Thursday to discuss post-war reconstruction, even as peace negotiations with Russia remain deadlocked. Zelenskyy confirmed that the next round of US-brokered peace talks is likely to occur in Abu Dhabi in early March. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov added that efforts are underway to finalize economic and security issues to ensure substantive discussions in upcoming trilateral meetings involving the US and Russia.
The interview sheds light on both the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the profound personal challenges faced by their leader, as the nation navigates a brutal winter and ongoing conflict.
