Zelensky: "Trump is capable of stopping Putin — or, more accurately, helping us stop Putin"
Photo: Office of the President
During an interview for the "Yedyni Novyny" telethon, President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska discussed just peace, the French peace initiative, and the economy. In particular, the head of state noted that any security guarantees for Ukraine without the United States of America are weak guarantees.
Volodymyr Zelensky said this during an interview on the air of a telethon.
Security guarantees without the US are weak for Ukraine
"A just peace for us is an understanding that we are in the European Union and that we have strong, powerful security guarantees. NATO is the best [option] for us. I would not like to give a pass to the alternative now. Of course, any security guarantees without the US are weak security guarantees for Ukraine," Zelensky said.
The President observed that looking at Israeli security measures as an example, it is evident that Israel can defend against 200–300–500 missiles without the assistance of NATO but rather with the support of US and British air forces.
"No one has offered such security guarantees to Ukraine yet," Zelensky said.
Trump can be decisive in this war
Volodymyr Zelensky believes that US President-elect Donald Trump can really help Ukraine stop Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
"Trump could be decisive. For us, this is the most important thing. His qualities are what they are. He is capable of being decisive in this war. He is capable of stopping Putin — or, more accurately, helping us stop Putin. He can do it. We had several conversations in the meeting format and on the phone. He is strong and unpredictable.
I would really like President Trump's unpredictability to apply primarily to the Russian Federation. I believe he really wants to end the war," the head of state of Ukraine said.
He noted that so far, there has been "no negative moment" in his communication with the US president-elect.
"The most important thing is to build relationships," the president said.
Zelensky noted that such contacts are already being actively built.
"Our teams are in constant contact. There were face-to-face meetings, the head of my Office was there, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has contacts, and our Minister of Defense has separate contacts," the head of state said.
He also emphasized that he knows exactly "who is building their plans on dividing and quarreling us."
"Trump told me on the phone when we were talking: "One of the first visits I will expect is you." He said: "For me, the priority is to end the war, and I will do it." Therefore, I think we will meet after the inauguration," Zelensky said.
He also expressed hope that after the inauguration of the US president, joint work of the states on steps to end the hot stage of the war will begin.
"The war will not end in one day. The war's hot stage can end quickly enough if Trump is strong in his position. And it is desirable, I believe, that this position coincides with that of European colleagues because today we are also receiving assistance from Europe, and with delays from the United States last year, to be honest, it was about the same. And for us, this is serious support – the European Union and the countries of Europe, particularly Britain, are our constant partners," he said.
France's peacemaking initiative
France's peacemaking initiative should be an integrated part of the path to NATO but not serve as its replacement.
"I think you have heard about President Macron's initiative to deploy a French contingent on the territory of Ukraine. We support this initiative, but France alone is not enough. If this initiative is implemented, it must necessarily be part of the path to NATO. This does not mean that the deployment of European forces excludes Ukraine's future in NATO," the president said.
According to him, legally recognizing that Ukraine will not be in NATO is very dangerous.
He noted that the issue of a peacekeeping mission was discussed at meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump. Zelensky said that Trump supports this idea, but whether the US will join this mission is unclear.
In 2025, all partners are needed to be united around Ukraine
"Our task in 2025 is to unite all [partners – ed.]. If the US position, which we believe in, is strong, it will be easier for us to unite everyone around Ukraine. To be honest, Europeans look very much to the opinion of the US president, today's new US president. A lot depends on him because he is decisive. I think Putin is afraid of him, so he is taking such steps so that some voices from the Kremlin still somehow reach the Trump administration," Zelensky said.
As the head of state noted, many are now talking about peace, including Ukraine's allies and those who, according to him, are not Ukraine's partners and have not yet decided on their position.
A just peace is a strong Ukraine
A just peace encompasses a strong Ukraine, recognizing its place in the EU and NATO, and a formidable military force.
"For us, victory means no one will give up our lands or independence. The question is in what way. Everyone talks about peace, but when we talk about just peace, it means a strong Ukraine. These are serious security guarantees preventing Putin from coming with aggression again. What is very important is a strong army. And not what Putin is hoping for with his ultimatums – a small number of 40-50 thousand military personnel. We know that with such a limited army, he will destroy us," Zelensky said.
As the head of state noted, Ukraine now has a historic chance to achieve a final result in the long-standing struggle for independence.
"Today, we can do it. Therefore, in short, a just peace for us is an understanding that we are in the EU and an understanding that we have powerful security guarantees. NATO is the best option for us," Zelensky said.
Disruption of Russian plans to occupy Kharkiv, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a significant achievement of the past year was the disruption of Russian plans to occupy Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia.
"One of the most important [over the past year – ed.], autumn, winter of 2024, is the disruption of three Russian operations to occupy Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Well done, everyone here, and above all, the soldiers," Zelensky said.
He emphasized that Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia are Ukrainian cities.
"I would like to thank the people who live there. They have passed a serious test," the president said.
Kursk operation
According to Zelensky, the recent advance of Russian occupants on the front line allows for a dialogue with non-allied countries. However, Ukraine aims to refute their claims of a frozen conflict.
"Kursk is a very strong trump card in all negotiations, especially with the countries of the Global South. I never thought that it would have such an impact on them. And it had a big impact on them," the president specified.
He observed that for nations in the Global South, Russia was seen as "unbeatable," but now Ukrainian defenders have been in control of a portion of Russian land for over four months. Furthermore, the Russians are ramping up their forces and cannot make any progress.
About the front
According to the head of state, the situation in the eastern part of the front line is currently one of the most difficult. However, everything will be done to stabilize it in January.
Currently, the Russians are making some progress in the east. However, this is because Russia has concentrated much more of its military there than in other directions.
"They are putting pressure on the guys who are tired, and that is a fact. We will do everything to stabilize the front, at least in January. It is very difficult. If everything promised comes true, there are schedules, and something is on the way if the new American administration supports it, and not the other way around. This puzzle depends on many details," Zelensky said.
He noted that the situation can be stabilized not only at the expense of weapons but also at the expense of the contingent that is currently training and those battalions that are presently arming themselves abroad.
"That is, we understand somewhere approximately that in January, we should receive all this, and according to our ways of stabilizing the front, our military should fulfill it. There is such a task. We will see, but we are counting on it," he emphasized.
Investments in the Ukrainian economy
Zelensky stated that once martial law is lifted, a significant amount of funds will be channeled into the Ukrainian economy from diverse sources, primarily focusing on significant reconstruction initiatives.
"Without martial law, Ukraine will spend money primarily on restoring the state. If I may use such words, a large amount of different money will pour in here: from business, from Russian frozen assets, from our budget. Today, our defense sector is one trillion 400 billion [UAH – ed.]. This is big, big money. Of course, a percentage of this money will immediately go to reconstruction. People will come to work, too," Zelensky said.
He emphasized that, in general, such large projects will be supported by many jobs.
Second presidential term
Volodymyr Zelensky hasn't made a decision yet about running for another term as president. Right now, he's focused on something else.
The first lady was asked about her thoughts on possibly a second presidential term for Zelensky.
"It seems to me that as a wife, I must support any decision. Whether or not it will be popular in our family is another question. It seems to me that the second time is not as scary as the first time," Zelenska replied.
However, she also acknowledged that she wouldn't want to spend the rest of her life "in an emotional and physical condition" like that. The worst period for her, though, remains the start of the war.
"From this point of view, I think this way: if the elections are starting, it means that the hot phase of the war is over. This is already a positive sign, and I don't care about the rest. I will support any choice and probably be happy," the first lady added.
According to Zelensky, he and his wife are not discussing the possibility of him running for a second term. They focus on securing victory, peace, and tranquility for Ukraine, which is their top priority.
"I don't know; I don't know how the war will end. If I do more than I can, then I will probably look at it [participation in the elections – ed.] more positively. That's the only way I can answer. For me, this is not the focus today; this is not my goal today," he added.
For reference:
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