"I believe it will significantly weaken him," states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when asked about what could diminish Vladimir Putin's power. Notably, one particular strategy stands out above others.
Zelensky shared these insights during the press conference 'Ukraine. Year 2024,' as reported by the official website of the Ukrainian presidential office.
The Ukrainian president suggests that inflicting losses on the Russian army in battle, political isolation in the global arena, intensified sanctions pressure, and the confiscation of frozen Russian assets could undermine the Russian president's authority in Russia.
"For him (Putin), money is the top priority. Listening to his messages, it's all about money. He ensures the protection of this money, even the frozen assets abroad," Zelensky noted during the press conference.
Zelensky assesses that preserving Russian business values is crucial for Putin, hence affecting them could strike a significant blow:
"If all the frozen assets and money are transferred to Ukraine unconditionally, I believe it will significantly weaken him," Zelensky explains, also highlighting his vested interest in such an outcome:
"Without bloodshed, but it would be very effective. Then he would call everyone, not just me, to find a way to end this war."
More than two years have passed since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of the neighboring country.
The invasion began on February 24, 2022.
