Zelenskyy on Trump's 'quick steps' for peace in Ukraine: We support, but Russia has to pay
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is not opposed to the swift steps proposed by US presidential candidate Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine. But Russia has to pay for its aggression, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with leading Northern European media.
"I am not sure that it (the policy - ed.) will totally be changed. I mean, even if there are people who will win, even if they see some deals, some quick deals, some quick steps, and etc. We're also on the side of a quick decision of the peace. But not only we have to pay for this," he said.
Zelenskyy emphasizes that Ukraine is not the aggressor and has never been. "Russia is the aggressor, and they have to pay," he added.
The president mentioned that he would be happy if there were a common philosophy and shared vision between Kyiv and Washington.
"If not, just to remind, that Europe is big, much more bigger than Russia. I mean, by economy and weapon, by military segment, and very strong... So the plan with not such big support from the United States or, like you said, if the support will decrease... So, of course, we will count on ourselves, on unity in Europe, and on public opinion of the American people," he added.
The presidential election in the US will take place on November 5. Republican candidate Donald Trump calls Vladimir Putin his "friend" and claims he can end the war between Russia and Ukraine with a single phone call.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that it would be very hard for Ukraine if it loses support from Washington after the presidential election.
In his opinion, if the conflict is frozen now without understanding what will happen tomorrow and what security guarantees for Ukrainians will include, it poses a significant risk. "Everything must be on paper, clear about when this war will end and who will be responsible for it and to what extent. Certainly the aggressor," the president added.
