Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy expressed support for President Donald Trump's strong rhetoric towards Russian President Vladimir Putin in negotiating an end to the war or facing increased economic pressure. Zelenskyy described Trump's approach as 'just and fair,' emphasizing that Putin fears a united front between the U.S. and Ukraine.
In an exclusive interview, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's progress in reclaiming 50% of the territory previously held by Russian forces since the 2022 invasion. Despite the gains, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of a fair resolution to the conflict to prevent further loss of lives.
Zelenskyy called for heightened international pressure on Putin, particularly from China, and emphasized the need for broader security guarantees beyond Europe. He underscored the significance of U.S. involvement, stating that European assurances alone may not suffice in deterring Putin's aggression.
Prior to the invasion, Zelenskyy revealed that he had urged former President Joe Biden and European Union countries to take preemptive measures against Russia's military buildup. However, he lamented that support was contingent on a Russian invasion, leaving Ukraine to fend for itself during the conflict.
Zelenskyy expressed hope that Trump's resolve could compel Putin to seek peace, emphasizing the importance of a substantive agreement rather than mere symbolic gestures. He called for Trump to stand on the side of justice and support Ukraine in its quest for a peaceful resolution.
