“Does Ukraine want war? No. Is it ready for it? Yes,” Zelensky said during a Tuesday public address.

In his Tuesday address the Ukrainian president voiced a concern over Russia’s amassing troops on the Ukrainian border.

“Officially Russia calls it drills. Unofficially the world calls such thing blackmailing. Are we concerned? Yes. Do Ukraine and its international partners demand the troops’ pull-off from our borders? Yes. Yet the Russian Federation keeps claiming that they are seeking peace, and, at the same time, creating preconditions for escalation,” said Zelensky.

He warned that Ukraine is ready for war.

“Does it mean that escalation is inevitable? No. Does Ukraine want war? No. Is it ready for it? Yes. Will Ukraine stop to struggle for peace using diplomatic means? Never. Will Ukraine, should the challenge arise, defend itself? Always. Our principle is simple: Ukraine does not start a war first, but Ukraine always stands to the last man,” stressed the Ukrainian president.

Zelensky’ statements come amid the reports of increasing tensions between the two countries.