Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned his nation is able to comply with a ceasefire — however provided that Russian President Vladimir Putin halts aggression too. Zelensky accused Putin of aiming for the “whole defeat” of Ukraine and urged the US to step up efforts to dealer peace.
Chatting with ABC Information, Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s willingness to pause hostilities.
“We’re prepared to put down our arms with out situations — if Russia will, too,” Zelensky mentioned within the interview.
He mentioned Ukraine would even forgo safety ensures from the US, which it has lengthy demanded in lieu of NATO membership, in change for a 30-day cessation of hostilities.
“Putin is a assassin”
Zelensky strongly criticised the Russian chief’s intentions, evaluating the invasion to a bloodbath.
“We aren’t youngsters with Putin on the playground within the park,” Zelensky mentioned. “That is why I’m saying he’s a assassin who got here to this park to kill the children.”
“I really feel strongly that Putin doesn’t need to end this struggle. Inside his thoughts, it is unimaginable to finish this struggle with out whole defeat of Ukraine.”
US can cease the struggle, says Zelensky
The Ukrainian president insisted that the US holds the important thing to halting the war.
“I’m satisfied that the president of the USA has all of the powers and sufficient leverage to step up,” Zelensky informed the information outlet.
“Most likely individuals do not realize that,” he added. “They’ve to know that we’re underneath strikes, underneath assault every single day.”
He mentioned US President Trump has the worldwide affect to carry European allies collectively for a unified stress marketing campaign on the Kremlin.
“They [European leaders] are all taking a look at President Trump as a frontrunner of the free world … and they’re ready for him,” he mentioned.
“Solely laborious stress will cease Putin”
Zelensky maintained that Putin will solely comply with peace if confronted with forceful diplomatic and navy opposition.
“Solely laborious stress from the U.S. and allies could make Putin pragmatic,” he informed ABC.
“Then they’ll cease the struggle.”
He famous that Russia has beforehand continued bombing even throughout supposed “momentary ceasefires.”
Operation Spiderweb and Kremlin’s response
The interview got here simply days after Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb, a daring navy strike that reportedly rattled Russian infrastructure.
The Kremlin denounced the assault as an “act of terrorism,” however Zelenskyy dismissed the cost.
“It’s a clear and clear navy operation,” he mentioned. “It’s a step that confirmed everybody that we don’t want this struggle. We don’t need to combat.”
“We perceive the Russians higher”
Zelensky emphasised Ukraine’s historic familiarity with Russia, implying that Western leaders don’t totally grasp Moscow’s mindset.
“Trust me, we perceive the Russians a lot better … than the Individuals perceive the mentality of Russians. We’re neighbors for ages,” he mentioned.
Ceasefire talks proceed amid uncertainty
Whereas the US has performed bilateral talks with each Ukraine and Russia, and delegations met recently in Istanbul, Zelensky signaled deep skepticism about any real Russian curiosity in peace.
“We don’t actually know if they’ll cease this struggle,” he mentioned. “We now have to organize such plans, and we’re not stopping.”
