Zelenskyy names scenarios where Putin could defeat Ukraine
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that right now, the Russian leader Vladimir Putin cannot win the war against Ukraine. However, there are factors that could change this situation, according to Zelenskyy's interview with ABC News.
In particular, Zelenskyy said that, according to former US President Donald Trump, Putin is winning the war. However, that is not true.
"It seems he said that publicly. And I know he told some people in his circle about it. I believe that is not accurate. It's not true, and I don't mean just his words, but the actual situation. This is not a victory if you're really losing a million people just to gain a few thousand kilometers. That's not a victory," the Ukrainian President said.
Zelenskyy explained that this is an initiative based on a large number of people and weapons, adding: "This initiative is in your hands. But this is not a victory, and I said that to President Trump. You'll see that this is not a victory."
The Ukrainian President noted that if the US and Europe stop helping Ukraine and pull out of the situation, then Russia may have a chance to win. At the same time, he emphasized that even without partners, it was hard for the Russians to occupy Ukraine at the very beginning of the war.
"So, under no circumstances will Putin be able to win this war given the current situation - if there’s unity in the world and the world is on our side. It's impossible. So he can only win if this turns into a very long war, lasting many, many years and without sanctions," the Ukrainian leader stated.
According to Zelenskyy, this is exactly what Putin wants, because he needs money for the war, and "he wants to stay in the Kremlin until death." However, based on what has happened, Putin was given money for the war.
"Yes, that's his goal. That's why he wants to occupy us, to destroy. It's all about oil - his economy depends on energy. And we need to impose sanctions as soon as possible. We lost many years. They could have imposed energy restrictions and set a price cap on oil - $30, which is what's needed, no more. And we lost three years, we gave them that money," Zelenskyy explained.
Ukrainian President added that Russia sold a large volume of energy to China, India, Brazil, and other countries. Moreover, thanks to products manufactured by a number of countries, Russia was able to produce missiles.
"And it's the same with sanctions, and with banking systems, and with the defense sector, let's be honest, because without American, Taiwanese, Chinese, and some European partners, without the products of these companies, without the parts they manufacture, Putin would not have been able to produce such a large number of missiles," Zelenskyy explained.
When asked whether Russia could win if there were no more American assistance, Zelenskyy said that most likely, Russia would have a greater chance. Moreover, Ukraine would suffer far more losses.
"We would have more losses - much more. Without US support - the kind they can give us, for example, missiles for Patriot systems. If they stop helping… Today we used Patriot systems, they are not enough, but we still used them. So, if the US doesn't give us missiles - what then? More losses, more people will die," the Ukrainian leader concluded.
In the same interview, Zelenskyy stated that "we are close" to the point where Russia can be forced to end the war.
The factors making this possible are Ukrainian operations deep inside Russian territory, as well as the unity of the US and Europe in applying pressure on Putin, the pressure that Ukraine needs.
