Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Kursk operation as a tangible advantage in Kiev's diplomatic efforts, especially among the countries of the Global South, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.
"Kursk is a very strong trump card in any negotiations, especially with regard to the countries that are important to us, especially those of the Global South. "I never expected that (the operation) would have such a significant effect, because these countries thought Russia was invincible," Zelensky said in an interview on the United News television program, which was also attended by his wife Olena.
The Ukrainian leader added that Russia's decision to send North Korean servicemen to the Kursk region was a tactical mistake.
"They (the Russians) took the North Korean contingent. And where did they send it? There (in the Kursk region). In my opinion, they made a tactical mistake," he said.
Zelensky added that the issue of his candidacy for a second term is currently "not on the agenda."
"I don't know. I don't know how this war will end. If I do more than I can, I will look at this issue more positively. For me, this is not on the agenda right now. It is not my goal right now," Zelensky said.
Zelenska, for her part, said that she would support her husband, whatever decision he makes about running for a new term and no matter how it will be received in the family.
"It seems to me that the second time is not as scary as the first. Of course, I would not want to live in this emotional state until the end of my days. This is an exhausting period," she said.
According to Art. 19, para. 1 of the Ukrainian Law on the Legal Regime of Martial Law, holding presidential elections during martial law is prohibited. Also according to the same normative act, the powers of the head of state cannot be terminated during martial law, Ukrinform notes.