“Without the return of Crimea, there will be no unity and opportunity to communicate normally, frankly, amicably for the Ukrainian and Russian peoples,” he said in an interview with Ukrainian Truth.
Zelensky noted that he did not know how many years it would take to establish a dialogue, and expressed confidence that the peninsula would again become part of Ukraine.
In addition, he expressed the opinion that “the Russian people will be ashamed in a few years” for the annexation of Crimea.
Earlier Zelensky called the “return” of Crimea part of the national idea.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed that the issue is closed for Moscow. According to him, the Crimean referendum was held in strict accordance with international law.
The head of state also expressed confidence in the full normalization of relations between Moscow and Kiev in the future.
Crimea became the Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, in which most residents spoke out for reunification with Russia.