Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been the President of Ukraine since 2019. In the time since, he has earned international admiration for his undaunted leadership of his country in its struggle against Russian aggression. In a recent interview, he addressed various issues surrounding the ongoing conflict, including relations with former U.S. President Donald Trump and the current state of military support from Western allies.
Zelenskyy has proven to be an extraordinary leader, exhibiting great poise under pressure. After all, his country is today enduring one of the most savage stages of the conflict in the province of Donetsk. He further underlined the gravity of the situation by mentioning that Russia has used massive military power, with “170,000 men” participating in the invasion of Ukraine. Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy remains committed to securing vital military aid, expressing a desire to order 27 Patriot air defense systems from American manufacturers.
Zelenskyy strongly rejected assertions that Trump acted inappropriately on the hot seat during a remarkable, hair-trigger exchange at the White House last October. He announced, “He didn’t throw anything. I know for sure. Uncertainty surrounds Trump’s position on Ukraine. Speculation is rife over whether Trump would continue to support Ukraine. His possible return to power in the United States may have even larger implications.
Zelenskyy recognized Trump’s election as a choice made by the American people, and said he respected that choice. He said, “No … we’re not enemies with America. We are friends … So why should we be afraid? This feeling speaks to the deeper yearning to be engaged in sincere and productive ways with whomever occupies U.S. leadership, whether it be Democrats or Republicans.
The Ukrainian president revealed that King Charles played a significant role in encouraging Trump to offer more robust support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy made a strong international case for all diplomatic efforts to deepen and strengthen Ukraine’s hand. He added that although he’s not privy to everything going on, he believes that His Majesty has sent some very potent signals to President Trump.
Though the threats from Russia are ever-present, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine is actually holding the line for U.S. values much more than Russia itself. He labeled Russia an autocratic, expansionist, great power and bullying bully. He thinks it requires an external enemy to hold together its 100+ ethnicities. Time and again we heard Zelenskyy’s comments that “Putin sees the U.S. and the West as the enemy,” underscoring the geopolitical stakes of this conflict.
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is unprecedented. Furthermore, Russian forces continue to intensify their indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure, killing thousands and inflicting untold suffering on the Ukrainian people. “Putin is ordering terrorist attacks on Ukraine’s energy system, killing civilians and leaving them without power and water,” he explained. As such, this growing humanitarian crisis is now an essential element of Zelenskyy’s case for continued and deepened Western support.
Zelenskyy rightly raised the alarm about Russia’s intention to extend its violence beyond Ukraine. He cautioned that with little effort, Russia might support a second front against a different European country. Such a thing might even be possible before the war ends. This claim makes a compelling case for continued watchfulness and coordination among European allies who may be threatened by aggressive action from Moscow.
To combat the regular drone attacks imposed by Russian forces each night, in response Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is already working with foreign partners to develop … Jointly, they’re committed to strengthening Ukraine’s defensive power. “It’s never enough. It’s enough when the war ends. And enough when Putin understands that he has to stop,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of adequate military supplies to safeguard Ukrainian sovereignty.
Against this backdrop of desperation and somber uncertainty, Zelenskyy struck a resolute and defiant tone, conjuring out the spirit of hope for a world without fear and terror. “I want to live in a world where I am simply respected. Not intimidated, not killed. I want to live in such a world,” he declared.