Below is a transcript of an exclusive interview with Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, which was featured on “Face the Nation” on July 9, 2023.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to Face The Nation. Today, we have the privilege of hosting Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Thank you for joining us, Ambassador Markarova.
UKRAINIAN AMBASSADOR OKSANA MARKAROVA: Good morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Both President Biden and Ukrainian President have expressed concerns about Ukraine’s depleting ammunition. Can you tell us when the latest U.S. aid package will arrive and how soon it will make a difference?
AMB. MARKAROVA: I want to express our immense gratitude to President Biden and everyone involved for the decision to provide us with much-needed ammunition. We understand that this decision may have been controversial, but for us, it is a matter of fighting a brutal enemy on our own soil. The Russian occupation is marked by unimaginable atrocities, including torture and rape, and it is crucial that we liberate our territories as quickly as possible. We are truly thankful that the United States has decided to support us in this critical time, and we hope to receive the aid as soon as possible to bolster our counter-offensive.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Cluster munitions, which Ukraine will receive, often have unexploded bomblets that pose a threat to civilians. How can you ensure the safety of civilians when using these munitions, especially considering the dangers they pose in the long run?
AMB. MARKAROVA: First and foremost, it’s important to note that Ukraine is already the most mined country due to Russian activity. We have been diligently addressing this issue with the help of the United States and other partners. Regarding the munitions we will be receiving, they are of higher quality compared to what we currently have. Additionally, as responsible users of American and European munitions, we have strict control measures in place, such as utilizing the NATO look fast system to track every unit. We will apply the same approach to these cluster munitions, ensuring that we know where and how they are used. Furthermore, after liberating territories, our first priority is to ensure the safety of the areas, including addressing any unexploded ordnance. Rest assured, we are committed to using these munitions responsibly and avoiding civilian areas.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Russia has been accused of war crimes for targeting civilians. Can you confirm that Ukraine will only deploy these munitions against enemy combatants and not in civilian areas?
AMB. MARKAROVA: It is devastating to see the extent to which Russia is willing to harm civilians by using these munitions and other destructive means. We categorically denounce such actions and affirm that we will not resort to such tactics. Our aim is solely to target enemy combatants and liberate our territories from occupation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: President Biden recently stated that Ukraine is not yet ready for NATO membership. What are your thoughts on this?
AMB. MARKAROVA: While we acknowledge that Ukraine is currently undertaking challenging reforms, we are actively preparing for NATO membership. We firmly believe that we are ready not only for consideration but also for an invitation to join NATO. In terms of the criteria for NATO membership, Ukraine already meets many requirements. If there are any remaining areas for improvement, we are committed to addressing them. Ultimately, what we seek is an invitation to join NATO, as outlined in the open-door policy adopted in 2008. We are eager to work closely with our NATO partners to move forward on this path.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is a major concern, with reports suggesting that Russia may attempt to destroy it. What is the current level of risk, and does Ukraine support the establishment of a safe zone around the plant?
AMB. MARKAROVA: The risk to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has been consistently high since Russia illegally occupied it on March 4, 2022. It is imperative to recognize that the only source of risk in this situation is Russia. Their actions, including the suspension of the New START Treaty and the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, demonstrate their lack of responsibility. We have witnessed similar risks when they occupied the Chernobyl station. The solution lies in collectively expelling the Russian occupiers. Once the plant is fully under Ukrainian control, there will be no risks. While we appreciate the idea of a safe zone, our primary focus is on removing the Russian presence entirely. They have no right to be on Ukrainian territory, especially in such a critical location.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Lastly, does Ukraine agree with the United Nations’ proposal for a demilitarized zone around the nuclear plant to prevent shelling from both sides?
AMB. MARKAROVA: The primary objective should be the demilitarization of all Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. It is crucial to ensure the complete removal of Russian military forces from Ukraine, rather than allowing them to create safe zones within our country. Ukraine has consistently acted responsibly in safeguarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. The ultimate resolution lies in the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from our territory, as they are occupying it illegally.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for joining us today, Ambassador Markarova. We will closely follow the developments at NATO. It was truly a pleasure to have you here.
AMBASSADOR MARKAROVA: Thank you.
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