Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Expresses Concerns and Hope Amidst Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
Putin’s Fear and Trump’s Influence
In an interview with NBC’s "Meet the Press," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin harbors a certain degree of fear towards his American counterpart, Donald Trump. During a phone conversation with Trump, Zelenskyy conveyed his opinion that Putin was wary of the American leader.
Zelenskyy recounted the conversation, saying, "I said that [Putin] is a liar, and he said, ‘I think my feeling is that he’s ready for these negotiations.’" To this, Zelenskyy responded, "No, he’s a liar. He doesn’t want any peace."
Despite his skepticism towards Putin’s intentions, Zelenskyy expressed optimism that Trump possesses the influence to persuade Russia into peace negotiations. "But I think he’s really a little bit scared about President Trump," Zelenskyy stated. "And I think the president has this chance, and he’s strong. And I think that really he can push Putin to peace negotiations."
Zelenskyy’s Trust and Conditions
Zelenskyy emphasized that while he trusts Trump’s leadership, he will only accept a peace deal that involves direct negotiations with Ukraine. "I believe and trust only in real steps. And I trust President Trump because he’s the president of the United States, because your people, your people voted for him, and I respect their choice," Zelenskyy said.
However, he added, "Of course, I want to have [a] real meeting, productive, without just words, with concrete steps, and to hear us, to hear President Trump, to make a common plan, and to share it with allies, then with Russians, and stop this war. I think we need it urgently. We have to do it without basic things, where there are concrete steps."
Rejection of Bilateral Agreements
Zelenskyy firmly declared that he would not accept any negotiation hashed out solely between the U.S. and Russia. "I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never.… The war in Ukraine is against us, and it is our human losses. And we are thankful for all the support, unity between USA – in USA around Ukraine support, bipartisan unity, bipartisan support, were thankful for all of this. But there is no… leader in the world who can really make a deal with Putin without us about us," he asserted.
Negotiation Efforts Underway
Meanwhile, special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is part of Trump’s negotiation team, reported that he and his colleague, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, were departing for Saudi Arabia to initiate discussions on ending the conflict.
Conclusion
As peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine begin, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expresses both concerns and hope. Zelenskyy believes that Russian President Putin fears President Trump but emphasizes that any agreement must involve direct negotiations with Ukraine. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz have commenced their mission to facilitate these negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, but it is clear that Ukraine will not accept any settlement that does not address its interests.
