[Commentary] President Zelensky's remarks What is the aim of "returning to before the invasion"?

While fierce fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, the lives of citizens are gradually returning to the capital city of Kieu.

How do Ukrainians now perceive this war?

In an interview with NHK on May 24, President Zelensky said, "We will return the territory to the state before February 24, when the Russian army invaded, and then we will be at the table for negotiations."

However, shortly before that, Foreign Minister Kreva said, "The Crimean Peninsula, which Russia unilaterally annexed in 2014, also needs to be released."

What is the aim of President Zelensky's remarks this time?

Professor Yoshihiko Okabe of Kobe Gakuin University, the chairman of the Japanese Association for Ukrainian Studies, will explain.

(The video is 5 minutes and 49 seconds. It cannot be viewed on data broadcasting.)