Ukraine's Russian-speaking president gives glimmer of hope to war-torn east


FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy holds a news conference after meeting European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels, Belgium, June 5, 2019. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir/File Photo

DONETSK/SLOVYANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - In one of his first acts as Ukrainian president, comedian-turned-politician Volodymyr Zelenskiy held out a symbolic olive branch to people in Ukraine's mostly Russian-speaking Donbass region, by switching from Ukrainian to Russian.

That gesture, during his inauguration in the Ukrainian parliament in May, sent a message of inclusion to people in the mainly separatist-controlled Donbass region. And for some, at least, it offers a faint glimmer of hope in a conflict that has claimed 13,000 lives and shows no sign of resolution.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Hungary opposition leader flags possible illicit video release ahead of election
Trump revokes basis of US climate regulation, ends vehicle emission standards
Bangladesh's BNP wins historic parliamentary election
Bangladesh's BNP wins parliamentary election
Italy's Lollobrigida wins second gold at Milan-Cortina Games in women's 5,000m speed skating (updated)
China's teenage debutant Tai confident of better performance at next Olympics
Urgent: Trump announces repeal of key finding underpinning U.S. climate regulations
76th Berlinale film festival opens, several Chinese films set to screen
NATO states pledge hundreds of millions for Ukraine weapons push, Rutte says
T�rkiye, Serbia pledge to strengthen economic ties

Others Also Read