Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States to apply more pressure on Russia rather than on Ukraine to facilitate an end to the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the need for security guarantees that would form the basis of any potential peace agreement.
Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s willingness to engage in negotiations, acknowledging the significant role of U.S. President Donald Trump in these discussions. However, he reiterated that the focus should be on pressuring Russia.
“We do not trust Russia, but I believe that Americans genuinely want to end this war. I hope they will help us, but we need more pressure on Russia, not on me,” Zelensky stated.
Politico noted that during previous talks in December, the U.S. indicated its readiness to provide Ukraine with some form of security guarantees essential for any peace deal. Nevertheless, Zelensky pointed out that detailed information regarding these guarantees remains elusive.
“Let’s be honest. This is very important for us, but we do not have a clear answer,” the Ukrainian president remarked.
Furthermore, Zelensky recounted a conversation with Trump, where the U.S. president inquired whether security guarantees from the U.S. could be stronger than those provided by NATO.
“Yes, today it depends on you. It depends on you, Mr. President. God bless us if we receive security guarantees stronger than NATO. But what will happen after you? And what will happen after me?” Zelensky responded.
He also stressed the necessity for these security guarantees to be ratified by national parliaments and the U.S. Congress. This, he argued, would ensure that future administrations could not easily withdraw from such commitments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for increased U.S. pressure on Russia to facilitate peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for robust security guarantees. He expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on these guarantees and their importance for Ukraine's future security.