Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern over the U.S. government’s perceived inaction regarding evidence that Russia is assisting Iran in its military engagements against the United States and Israel. In a recent podcast interview, Zelensky highlighted that certain officials within the Trump administration appear to place undue trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky stated that he had publicly disclosed information about Russia providing Iran with intelligence on approximately 50 energy targets in Israel, which could be potential sites for attacks. He reiterated these points in an interview with the Associated Press.
“I have said this publicly. Have you heard the U.S. reaction to Russia that they need to stop this? The problem is that they trust Putin. And that is unfortunate,” Zelensky remarked.
The Ukrainian leader suggested that the Trump administration’s response may be influenced by Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and special envoy for Middle East peace, who has reportedly spent significant time with Putin and Russian officials.
A meeting between Kushner and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representatives took place in the United States on March 11. During this meeting, Witkoff expressed skepticism about claims that Russia was sharing intelligence with Iran amidst the ongoing conflict.
“So, you know, we can take them at their word. Let’s hope they are not sharing,” Witkoff stated.
Zelensky further asserted that Ukraine possesses a clearer understanding of Russia’s military objectives than the United States does. He warned that Putin would not halt his ambitions after seizing the Donbas region, suggesting that the next targets could include the regional centers of Dnipro and Kharkiv.
“Putin will not stop if he takes the Donbas, and the next attempt will be to capture regional centers like Dnipro and Kharkiv. We must acknowledge that some Americans view the Donbas as insignificant. They do not want to recognize that Putin will lie to them and that he may continue his occupation even after such moves. Americans are convinced they can trust Putin,” Zelensky noted.
Previously, Zelensky indicated that the U.S. ties security guarantees to the conclusion of the war and the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas. In a March 25 interview with Reuters, he stated that U.S. proposals for security guarantees for Ukraine are contingent upon the transfer of the Donbas to Russia. He emphasized that as the U.S. focuses on its own conflict with Iran, President Trump is pressuring Ukraine for a swift resolution to the ongoing war that began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Zelensky called on the European Union to leverage its influence, particularly as the U.S. threatens to withdraw from NATO. He urged the EU to collaborate with Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Norway to form a military bloc capable of countering Russian aggression.
“Without Ukraine and Turkey, Europe will not have an army that can match Russia’s. With Ukraine, Turkey, Norway, and the United Kingdom, you will control security across the seas, not just one sea,” the president concluded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the U.S. for its lack of response to Russian support for Iran against the U.S. and Israel. He emphasized the need for stronger European collaboration to counter Russian military ambitions.
Source: Associated Press