Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not cease military operations if he successfully captures the Donbas region. Instead, Zelensky suggests that Putin may turn his attention to other significant urban centers, specifically Dnipro and Kharkiv.
In a recent statement, Zelensky commented on the trilateral negotiation process aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. He indicated that the team of former U.S. President Donald Trump did not fully grasp Russia’s demands and objectives. This misunderstanding, according to Zelensky, may stem from the fact that Trump’s negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, spent considerable time engaging with Putin and his inner circle.
Zelensky noted that U.S. representatives made five visits to Moscow, while there were no reciprocal visits to Kyiv. This imbalance, he argued, contributed to a lack of understanding regarding the complexities of the situation.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that he possesses a clearer insight into Putin’s mindset and military ambitions than the U.S. administration. He stated,
“Putin will not stop if he captures Donbas and will attempt to seize other regional centers—Dnipro and Kharkiv.”
Zelensky further remarked,
“We must acknowledge that, to some extent, Americans believe that Donbas means nothing to us.”
He criticized the perception that the U.S. might trust Putin, asserting that this trust is misplaced and that the Russian leader could continue his occupation even after achieving certain territorial goals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russian aggression may escalate beyond Donbas, targeting major cities like Dnipro and Kharkiv. He critiques U.S. diplomatic efforts, suggesting a fundamental misunderstanding of Putin's intentions and the ongoing threat to Ukraine.