Ukrainian President Zelensky Critiques Trump’s Perception of Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that U.S. leader Donald Trump has recognized that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is “lying” to him. Zelensky made these statements during an interview with Newsmax, emphasizing that it is crucial for Trump to discern this reality himself, rather than relying on external sources. “We supported all U.S. initiatives for a ceasefire. I backed all of President Trump’s initiatives. He has seen the reality: Putin says one thing and bombs the next. He does not want the war to end,” Zelensky stated.
Zelensky highlighted the importance of the realization that there is a commitment to continue supporting Ukraine. “There is an understanding that it is important for the United States that Ukraine does not lose this war. Meanwhile, Putin is losing a significant number of his troops by sending them to their deaths,” he added.
The president pointed out recent advancements in defensive systems, stating that the Patriot system is a priority for Ukraine. “I am grateful for the positive signal from the White House, personally from the president, regarding support for this. As for the sanctions package, you see that everyone is moving forward,” he remarked.
Zelensky noted that analysts, financiers in the U.S. and Ukraine, as well as intelligence services sharing information, understand that the sanctions package being prepared by America will impact Putin’s income, thereby influencing potential peace. “Putin will no longer be able to earn enormous sums of money on the war through energy, oil, gas, and other resources. Ultimately, he is spending all this money on his military machine,” he stated.
A bipartisan bill with anti-Russian sanctions drafted in the U.S. Senate proposes tariffs of up to 500% against key trading partners of Russia that continue to purchase, among other things, Russian energy resources. Countries such as China, India, and Brazil are included. However, media reports describe the bill’s passage as being “in limbo.”
Trump, who has sought to end the war between Russia and Ukraine swiftly, is frustrated with Putin’s unwillingness to agree to a peace deal or even a ceasefire. On July 14, Trump announced a mechanism for providing weapons to Ukraine, wherein European allies would purchase arms from the U.S. for further transfer to Ukraine, with NATO coordinating the shipments. He also set a 50-day ultimatum for Putin to agree to a ceasefire, threatening “severe tariffs” on Russia’s trading partners. Russia rejected Trump’s ultimatum.
According to an analysis by CNN, Trump’s new “ultimatum” for Russia was not the strongest statement the American leader could have made—Ukraine has reasons for both hope and disappointment. Politico, citing a White House official, reported that Trump still believes Russia will prevail, questioning only how long it will take, with his current goal being to “stop the killings,” reports 24brussels.
Further analysis of Trump’s motivations regarding Ukraine can be found in an article discussing the contrast between his character as a “dominator” and a “deal-maker.”
