Zelenskyy on Trump: I respect his search for peace, but Ukraine is not to blame for war
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
The United States of America is a strong strategic partner, and this would be beneficial in exerting pressure on the Russian Federation, states President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his interview with The Ben Shapiro Show.
"We consider the United States as a strong strategic partner with an influence, and we would really like to have peace through strength. That would be used towards Russia, so that the force would be towards Russia, because they are the one who is an aggressor," Zelenskyy said.
According to him, he respects the fact that US President Donald Trump is seeking peace, even though he has his own approach.
"I highly respect the fact that he is searching for an approach. That’s his approach. But you shouldn't be saying that Ukraine and Russia started this war. I believe it’s painful for our people to hear that. That’s why we respond in this way," Zelenskyy responded.
Trump’s statements on the war in Ukraine
During his election campaign, Trump promised to quickly end the war in Ukraine. However, after taking office as US president, he began voicing pro-Russian narratives and blaming the Ukrainian leadership for the war.
In particular, Trump called Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections" and criticized him for the lack of progress in ending the war. He later acknowledged Russia’s responsibility, but at the same time blamed both Zelenskyy and Biden.
Commenting on Zelenskyy’s statement that peace is still a long way off, Trump called it “the worst thing he could have said.” He had earlier promised to end the war “within 24 hours,” although the deadlines have continually shifted over time.
Peace negotiations
Recently, negotiations were supposed to take place in London between Ukraine, the US, the UK, France, and Germany regarding a comprehensive ceasefire.
Ahead of the talks, the media reported that the US planned to propose a peace plan that would recognize Crimea as Russian. Ukraine categorically rejected this idea. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the occupied territories cannot be the subject of compromise.
Following this, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his visit to London. It was later revealed that the meeting of foreign ministers had been postponed, and negotiations would now take place at the level of senior officials.
