Zelenskyy disputes Trump's view on Putin's intentions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply contradicted US President Donald Trump's assessment of Russian President Vladimir Putin's motives during a recent Fox News interview. Trump, following a meeting with Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, suggested that Putin harbors goodwill toward Ukraine's success.
Zelenskyy rejected this outright. "I don't trust Russians… I don't trust Putin, and he doesn't want success for Ukraine," he stated firmly. He argued that Putin's rhetoric and actions reveal no genuine interest in peace, despite any private assurances to Trump.
Recent Russian military strikes underscore Zelenskyy's position. On December 27, Moscow unleashed nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles against Kyiv, targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. The barrage killed at least one person and wounded over 30 others, occurring just a day before the leaders' discussions.
Putin has publicly affirmed Russia's resolve to pursue its objectives by force if necessary. During a December 17 Defense Ministry briefing, he warned that without meaningful negotiations, Russian forces would secure their historical territories militarily.
Zelenskyy called for a blend of dialogue and pressure from Trump, including sanctions, to foster real progress. He expressed confidence in the US president's toolkit and efforts toward resolution, amid ongoing talks on a near-complete 20-point peace framework hindered mainly by Donbas territorial issues.
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