Ukraine Calls on Moscow to Propose an Initiative to Contain Escalation: “No Need for Panic”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he cannot rule out further escalation in tensions with Russia, but criticized what he described as "excessive panic" that impacts the economy. The Ukrainian president made these comments after Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the United States and NATO did not respond to Russia's main security demands in the East-West confrontation over Ukraine but is ready to continue dialogue. Zelensky said in a press conference, “I do not consider the situation now to be more tense than before. There is a feeling outside that there is a war here. It is not like that.” He added, “I am not saying that escalation is impossible… (but) there is no need for this panic.” He stated that this was the message he conveyed to U.S. President Joe Biden during their phone call on Thursday, emphasizing that Russia is trying to intimidate Ukraine. He also mentioned that Ukraine is working to stabilize its currency through foreign currency reserves, as well as seeking military, political, and economic support from the West, adding that his country needs five billion dollars to stabilize its economy.