The next is a transcript of an interview with Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova that aired Sunday, January 30, 2022, on "Face the Nation."
MARGARET BRENNAN: Holly Williams, thanks. We're now joined by Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the USA. Good morning to you, Ambassador. Thanks for being right here.
AMBASSADOR OKSANA MARKAROVA: Good morning. Good morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Workers, Mark Milley, says he hasn't seen a navy buildup like this because the Chilly Warfare: Artillery, ballistic missiles, floor air forces. He stated the affect can be horrific if Russia makes use of these. However President Zelensky stood up and stated Russia might merely be making use of psychological stress. Why is your president downplaying the danger?
AMB. MARKAROVA: We aren't downplaying the danger. We truly see the state of affairs the identical means and we see the construct up and we additionally know what Russia is able to as a result of they've attacked us already. Since 2014, for eight years, we're at warfare and we're defending our nation. On the identical time, with a purpose to defend our nation, we can not afford to panic. We now have to prepare. All of us, not solely our navy, our very succesful navy and veterans, but in addition all civilians. So we all know and we see what is going on on. That is the truth with which we reside for eight years. That is the truth of this current escalation since April. So we monitor it. We assess it. We share the data with our mates and allies. We're very grateful for the USA, for very sturdy relations, sturdy relations and robust response this time.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However your president stated Ukraine's grateful for assist, however I can not be like different politicians who're grateful to the USA only for being the USA. What does he imply by that? As a result of it sounds loads like there's some friction right here.
AMB. MARKAROVA: There isn't a friction. I imply, look, we will have some discussions and we will have distinction of opinions. However United States is our strategic companion, and I'd even say strategic buddy, primary. Our relationships, particularly over the last yr, has been on the highest degree ever, I'd say in 30 years.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However the White Home says- they issued an announcement: "On the identical time, President Zelensky is downplaying the danger of invasion, he is asking for lots of of thousands and thousands of dollars in weapons to defend in opposition to one. "We predict it is essential to be open and candid about that menace."
AMB. MARKAROVA: We're open and candid and we're discussing it with our companions right here. Once more, we simply can not afford to panic. So we're getting ready for any choices. And once more, as I stated, we all know what Russians are able to, However let's be very clear right here, we all know who aggressor is and everybody is aware of who aggressor is. It is Russia. With the USA, particularly and with different companions and allies, we might have distinction of opinions on when to introduce sanctions, we might have distinction of opinions on some points, however these are pleasant, open and candid discussions–
MARGARET BRENNAN: You do–
AMB. MARKAROVA: and we actually worth this.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to perceive what you want now. What are you asking the White Home for?
AMB. MARKAROVA: It is the identical we've got been asking for eight years, however particularly this yr, you realize, sturdy three ranges of deterrence: political, financial and navy defensive. So sturdy political messages. And we're very glad that this yr U.S. is definitely taking energetic function in negotiations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you are by way of what you are asking U.S. taxpayers for. The chairman of your parliament wrote a letter to eight senators, together with considered one of them on this program, asking for air protection, anti-ship, anti-armor capabilities, versatile loans, financing mechanisms. Is that this a proper request out of your authorities? Is what the White Home supplying you with not enough?
AMB. MARKAROVA: Properly, when you have a look at the assertion by our presidents after they met within the White Home, you will notice a variety of these points within the joint assertion. Additionally, you will see it within the framework settlement that we signed. So we're merely discussing what we already agreed with the USA, and we're discussing how one can implement it
MARGARET BRENNAN: To be very clear, you might be asking Congress and also you had been asking the White Home to place sanctions on Russia proper now to not watch for an invasion. Is that proper?
MARKAROVA: We ask each. Russia is there. Russia illegally occupied Crimea. Russia illegally occupies along with their managed folks, elements of Donetsk and Luhansk territories, they usually did not change their habits through the eight years. So sure, we consider the idea for sanctions is there.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You advised me earlier than you suppose a cyber assault will proceed any navy motion? What precisely are you getting ready for? As a result of the US is warning this might have world affect.
AMB. MARKAROVA: Properly, along with navy assaults, we expertise it since 2014 and particularly now, Russia engages in cyber assaults or type of hybrid warfare, cyber disinformation, all types of data campaigns. Not too long ago, couple of weeks in the past, a variety of Ukrainian ministers have been attacked and defaced. The assault has been wider than that, and our safety sources, along with our companions from the U.S., are that specific assault. However it's considered one of many. We're below fixed assault, particularly within the our on-line world. And we're attempting the whole lot potential and doing the whole lot potential to strengthen our capabilities there as effectively.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You are saying the warfare has already began.
AMB. MARKAROVA: In 2014, when Crimea has been attacked and when Crimea has been illegally occupied or annexed, as Russia says, that has been the beginning of the warfare.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So if Vladimir Putin does launch an additional assault on Ukraine, do you consider he'll cease there?
AMB. MARKAROVA: Properly, the rationale why Putin attacked us shouldn't be as a result of he desires Ukraine, or solely Ukraine. The rationale he attacked us is as a result of we've got chosen to be a democracy and we've got the Euro-Atlantic and European aspirations. So it is an assault on democracy, and I consider no one is protected if Ukraine might be attacked. We don't need to be a part of the Soviet Union or the Russian Empire or the Russian Federation. We need to be sovereign, we're sovereign and we're preventing for our independence. And if Ukraine might be additional attacked by Russia, in fact they won't cease in Ukraine- after Ukraine. In order that's why it is within the curiosity of Europe and all democratic world to assist us to defend ourselves, but in addition to point out that the worldwide rule of regulation nonetheless works.
MARGARET BRENNAN: All proper. Ambassador, thanks very a lot in your time as we speak.
AMB. MARKAROVA: Thanks and thanks to all of your viewers and all American folks for assist.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll be again in a second.