KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence today that newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump is committed to ending the war between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible. However, Zelensky emphasized that such an outcome is only achievable if the United States maintains a firm and decisive stance.
“We are on the same side as the (newly elected) U.S. president. He truly wants to end the war, and we Ukrainians truly want to end the war. He understands that America cannot be weak and cannot lose with Ukraine. That is correct, because everything will not end with Ukraine,” Zelensky said, warning of a broader global conflict if the U.S. does not show strength.
The Need for U.S. and Global Unity
Zelensky stressed that a weak response from the U.S. could embolden Russia and lead to further instability in other parts of the world. He specifically highlighted potential Russian threats to the Baltic states and countries in the Pacific region.
The Ukrainian president called for unity and determination from Ukraine’s international partners, stating that success depends on a collective effort to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter. “If Ukraine is weak, if the position of the United States is not strong, the war will spread to other parts of the world,” Zelensky warned.
Zelensky Criticizes Orbán-Putin Talks
Zelensky also addressed a recent phone conversation between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He strongly criticized any discussions about the Ukraine war that do not include Ukraine, reiterating that peace cannot be negotiated without his country’s involvement.
“We all hope that Viktor Orbán at least won’t invite (former Syrian President Bashar al) Assad to Moscow to hear his one-hour lectures,” Zelensky said, taking a jab at Orbán’s perceived alignment with Russia.
He emphasized that achieving true peace and lasting security requires decisive action from the United States, unity within Europe, and unwavering commitment from all global partners. Zelensky called on world leaders to prioritize collective success over individual political gains, stating, “One should not play for their image at the expense of unity – one must work for collective success.”
Gratitude for Trump and European Allies
Zelensky expressed gratitude to President Trump and European leaders for their ongoing support in seeking “true and strong solutions” for a just and lasting peace. He reiterated the importance of collaboration, adding, “Discussions about the war against Ukraine, which Russia is waging, cannot take place without Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian president’s remarks come at a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, as Ukraine continues to rely on its international allies to counter Russian aggression and work toward a peaceful resolution.
