President Volodymyr Zelensky said that possible talks with Russia are possible “provided that Ukraine is not alone and is strong.” – We should do everything to end the war diplomatically next year, Zelensky added in an interview with the public broadcaster Suspilne.
– The president's position is important Donald Trump and the United States' attitude towards Ukraine. You cannot say abstractly: I am an intermediary, therefore I cannot be on either side. America should maintain its position that Russia is an aggressor, it has violated our territorial integrity and international law, Zelensky said in an interview with the Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Ukrainian Radio.
Zelensky emphasized that in order to start any diplomatic actions, Ukraine “must be strong and cannot be left alone with Russia.”
– What can you negotiate with a killer? If we simply talk to Putin, the killer, in the conditions we are currently in, unreinforced by any important elements, it will be a loss of status for Ukraine right from the start. With our weak position, we have nothing to do in these negotiations, said the president.
Volodymyr Zelensky talks about the conditions for president.gov.ua
Conversation with Trump
Speaking about contacts with Donald Trump, the president of Ukraine indicated that he “had a very good conversation with him (telephone – ed.) in September.” – Positive, clear, justified on our part. The (US) president heard what our basic assumptions are. I have not heard anything against our position, said the Ukrainian leader.
He also said that when he congratulated Trump on his election victory, he said “he wants to end the war, but he (also) wants to help.”
– He is on the side of support, he values our strength, integrity and courage. So, so far, the atmosphere in our relationship has been good. We'll see what happens next, Zelensky replied, quoted by the Suspilne portal.
Donald Trump announced that he “wants to put Putin at the table.” Referring to this issue, the Ukrainian leader assessed that Vladimir Putin he is not interested in peace, but it is profitable for him to “be at the table” and talk to the leaders because he wants to show that he is not isolated.
– It would be beneficial for Putin to talk about some kind of capitulation on the part of Ukraine. But no one will give it to him, Zelensky said.
Zelensky talked to Trump. Ukraine expects further arms deliveriesPaweł Szot/Fakty TVN
The task is to maintain unity
The president of Ukraine emphasized that he would “only take talks with the US president seriously,” and not with his advisers. – About these or other issues, about how they see things United StatesI will be able to say how we respond to their vision after a substantive meeting with President Trump, when he will have all his prerogatives, said Zelensky, suggesting that we should wait for the inauguration of the 47th US president.
Zelensky also referred to the aid provided to Ukraine by the US and other Western countries. Stressing gratitude for American aid, agreed on a bipartisan basis, he said, however, that “Ukraine has not received half of the (announced support).”
– Now the task is to maintain unity between Europe and the USA. Because if America's policy changes, the strength of unity in Europe will also change. Will this result in more aid? No, it can only reduce it, said the president of Ukraine.
Main photo source: president.gov.ua