Zelenskyy to Fox News: Russia is 'following the concept of Goebbels' with Hitler comparison

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Griff Jenkins on Wednesday, said "they are following the concept of Goebbels and they are using the same methodology" after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov compared him to Adolf Hitler. 

The interview lasted nearly an hour. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is now in its 70th day. 

"So what if Zelenskyy is Jewish," Lavrov said earlier this week, according to The Times of Israel. "The fact does not negate the Nazi elements in Ukraine. I believe that Hitler also had Jewish blood." 

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Zelenskyy told Fox News’ on Wednesday that Russia is "following the concept of [Nazi propagandist Joseph] Goebbels and they are using the same methodology and the reaction I think is to weaken the world to these phrases of Lavrov." 

When asked about the idea of President Joe Biden making a visit to Kyiv following a recent trip there by U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Zelenskyy said it would be "good for him to be here. 

"If it's possible. I don't know," the Ukrainian leader added.

Zelenskyy also said he has a message for Americans, that they should know that the war is "not about only us and Russia but we fight on our land for the principles which Washington gives the meaning much the same. 

"The principles that you share and that's why we need your support and I'm sure that will win" Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine wants to "save as many people as possible because we cannot lose our nation."

The Ukrainian leader reiterated his plea for more western weaponry to fight back against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s army. 

Zelenskyy also said Russia is looking to destroy "everybody" -- including civilians – still hiding inside the Azovstal steel factory in Mariupol.  

When asked about reports of Putin formally declaring war on Ukraine on May 9 – the date of Russia's Victory Day celebration honoring its successes in World War II – Zelenskyy said it wouldn’t change a thing for Ukraine because the "full-fledged war [has been] going on for 70 days."

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But should Russia claim Mariupol as a victory, the rest of the world will always look at what is happening in Mariupol as an atrocity with war crimes being carried out there, Jenkins says Zelenskyy told him. 

Jenkins described Zelenskyy as appearing "remarkably fit" and "very sharp" during the interview.  

Fox News’ Tyler O’Neil contributed to this report.