Zelenskyy comments on relations with Trump, urges stronger pressure on Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Relations between Ukraine and the United States remain complicated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Washington to increase pressure on Russia, emphasizing that Moscow is the aggressor in the war.
During the interview with PBS NewsHour, a journalist asked the Ukrainian president to briefly describe his current relationship with the American leader.
"Emotional," Zelenskyy replied.
Explaining his position, he said that in wartime, it is important to stay pragmatic and remember who started Russia's invasion. According to the president, Russian President Vladimir Putin bears responsibility for the aggression.
Zelenskyy explains why US should support Ukraine
The head of state also commented on US arrangements to purchase Russian diesel fuel. He expressed doubt that such a deal would have the promised impact on prices in the American market.
Zelenskyy also stressed that supporting Ukraine serves the United States' pragmatic interests. In his view, the Ukrainian military must remain strong, as otherwise Russia could continue advancing into Europe and move closer to NATO countries.
"If we speak about pragmatic things, we have to support Ukraine because it has to be strong. Otherwise, Putin will go further to Europe and to different parts of NATO countries. In this situation, America will decide difficult things. It's very dangerous. It's better to make Ukraine stronger because we are really defending Europe, not only ourselves," the president said.
Kyiv urges Trump to increase pressure on Putin
Summing up his position, Zelenskyy called on the US administration to change the direction of its pressure. He stressed that Russia started the war, so responsibility for its continuation should not be shifted onto Ukraine.
"It's better to push stronger on Putin, not on me. Not on me. It's not me who is the aggressor," the Ukrainian leader said.
Notably, despite tensions between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the United States continues to take part in supplying weapons to Ukraine. In particular, Washington plans to ask NATO allies to provide additional funding for weapons purchases under the PURL program. Around $2 billion is currently still needed for already approved weapons packages.
Meanwhile, in an October 22 interview with CNN, Zelenskyy explained that his disagreements with Trump were not personal. According to him, the main reason for the tensions is their differing policy approaches toward Russia.
