01.03.2025 17:50
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with a television channel following the tension he experienced with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, answered the question of whether the tension was planned. Zelensky said, "I don't know. It was really a very difficult situation because we were very clear and straightforward. I do not want to lose our friendship with the U.S."
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to a US television channel following his tense meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
"NO ONE WANTS TO END THIS WAR MORE THAN I DO"
Zelensky stated that he respects Trump's efforts to end the Ukraine-Russia War, saying, "But to be honest, no one wants to end this war more than I do. Ukrainians are fighting for their lives and freedom."
"WE ARE READY TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT"
Ukrainian leader Zelensky emphasized that the security guarantee is a vital issue for Ukraine while referring to the critical mineral agreement expected to be signed with the US but not yet signed. Zelensky said, "We are ready to sign this agreement, but the security guarantee is a very sensitive issue for Ukraine. The Ukrainian people want to hear that the US is on our side. The US has been the country that has provided the most support for Ukraine's defense along with Europe. Europe also wants to see how the war can be stopped."
"I AM HERE FOR PEACE BUT UKRAINIANS FEAR PUTIN'S RETURN"
Zelensky stated that they need to be in a strong position for a fair and sustainable peace. Zelensky said, "I am here because I want peace, I visited Trump for this reason. But Ukrainians fear Putin's return. It is not unfair for my people to demand security guarantees," expressing his expectations from the Washington administration. When asked whether Ukraine could continue the war without US support, Zelensky replied, "It would be very difficult for Ukraine. Putin has entered our homes and killed thousands of people. I can never say he is a good person."
"EUROPE IS PREPARING AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN"
Zelensky stated that Europe is preparing a strong military support plan for Ukraine, saying, "If the US also provides a security guarantee, the diplomatic process can begin. However, Ukraine does not have enough weapons and power to drive Russia out of its territory."
"THE DECISION TO REPLACE UKRAINE'S LEADER BELONGS TO THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE"
Commenting on US Senator Lindsey Graham's statement that he should resign, Zelensky said, "This decision belongs solely to the Ukrainian people. I am doing my part."
"I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE US"
When asked whether the tension at the White House was planned, Zelensky replied, "I don't know. It was really a very difficult situation because we were very clear and straightforward. I do not want to lose our friendship with the US. But I feel the need to correct some things regarding Ukraine, the lost lives, and the territories. Ukrainians do not want to forgive Putin."
"TRUMP SHOULD NOT TRUST PUTIN"
Zelensky stated, "It doesn't matter if it's the president, the vice president, or senators, important politicians say that Ukraine is almost gone, our soldiers have fled, they are not heroes, Ukraine has lost millions of civilians, and its president is a dictator. Where is our friendship between Ukraine and the US?" He indicated that his reaction was not personal and that the characterizations should be made "correctly." Zelensky emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between Ukraine, the US, and Europe in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression. Advocating for important issues to be discussed thoroughly, Zelensky warned Trump, "Do not trust Putin." Zelensky said, "We do not want surprises in this war. I told Trump that Putin would not act considering the presence of the US. There were US organizations in Ukraine even before the war started, but that did not stop Putin."
"WE EXPECT TRUMP TO BE CLOSER TO UKRAINE"
Zelensky clearly expressed that they want Trump to take a closer position to Ukraine, saying, "I will be honest about this. Russia started the war. That is why we expect the US to be closer to Ukraine." Responding to the question of how his relationship with Trump would continue after the tense meeting, Zelensky said, "Relations can improve. There have historically been good relations between the peoples of Ukraine and the US. That is why I always thank the US President, Congress, and the American people. However, I am sorry for what happened today."
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