Zelenskyy to Trump: Put pressure on Putin, 'not on me'
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that to end the war, the United States should put more pressure on Russia rather than on him. He also stressed that security guarantees are needed to form the basis of a future peace agreement, Politico reports.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine supports negotiations and noted the key influence of US President Donald Trump in the process. At the same time, he said Washington should apply greater pressure on Russia.
"We don’t trust Russia, but I think, and I trust that Americans really want to finish with this war. I hope that they will help us, but we need more pressure on Russia, not on me," he said.
Politico recalled that during talks in December, the United States indicated it was ready to provide Ukraine with some form of security guarantees that would form the basis of any peace agreement. However, Zelenskyy stressed that no details about such guarantees have been provided so far.
"Be honest. For us, it’s very important, but we don’t have a clear answer," the President said.
Security guarantees stronger than NATO
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Donald Trump asked him whether US security guarantees could be stronger than NATO.
"Yes, it depends on you for today. It depends on you, Mr. President. God bless if we will have stronger security guarantees than NATO. But what will be after you? And what will be after me?" the Ukrainian leader replied.
He also stressed that security guarantees must be approved by national parliaments and the United States Congress. According to him, this would ensure that future administrations would not be able to abandon them.
Several days ago, Donald Trump said that Volodymyr Zelenskyy was hindering the achievement of a peace agreement. According to him, Ukraine is rapidly losing bargaining positions, while the Kremlin is supposedly ready for dialogue.
In addition, Reuters, citing sources, reported that the US government is considering easing oil sanctions against Russia as a tool to address fuel shortages on the global market.
Later, Donald Trump said that some oil sanctions against Russia could be lifted on a permanent basis.
