Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that he has a deeper understanding of the “Russian spirit” compared to former President Trump, cautioning against his perspective.
Zelensky dismissed Trump’s assertion that Vladimir Putin wishes to halt the violent conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing to his U.S. counterparts the true intentions of the Russian leader.
“In deference to President Trump, that’s certainly his opinion,” Zelensky said during an interview with ABC News that aired on Sunday.
“Deep down in his [Putin’s] heart, it’s clear that this war won’t end without Ukraine’s comprehensive defeat. He won’t see it as a victory unless Ukraine is defeated,” he added.
“Trust me, we know the Russian mindset better than Americans understand it. It’s a fact that Putin has no desire to cease hostilities,” Zelensky concluded.
His remarks followed a situation where Trump had previously suspended ABC News correspondent Terry Moran, implying that he believed Putin might take steps towards peace.
Last week, Trump held a lengthy call with Putin, which he described as a “good conversation,” but was honest enough to say it didn’t lead to “immediate peace.” Over time, he has voiced growing criticism of Putin, especially in light of continued drone and missile assaults near Ukrainian civilian areas.
Despite this, Trump seems keen on positioning himself as a potential mediator in the ongoing conflict, contrasting with the Biden administration’s firm backing of Ukraine.
Zelensky continues to plead for intensified measures against the Kremlin, viewing this as a critical means to compel Putin to end the conflict.
“When significant pressure is applied, they tend to be practical, maybe then they’ll stop the war,” he speculated about the Russians.
“But the lingering question is, when will they actually agree to end this war?”
“We understand Russians well. Without solid security guarantees, any peace achieved will not be sustainable,” he added.
Zelensky had previously supported a ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration, which Russia ultimately rejected.
As the stalemate persisted, Ukraine made a daring move in early June, launching an unexpected attack deep into Russian territory, targeting numerous aircraft including nuclear-capable bombers, an operation some are calling “Operation Spider’s Web.” Reports suggest it significantly affected Russian air force capabilities, and notably, the U.S. was not informed beforehand about the operation.
“They certainly got to Putin, providing him with reasons to respond aggressively. I didn’t like that,” Trump remarked regarding the operation, claiming it would provoke Russian aggression.
In retaliation, Russia launched its largest drone assault in Ukraine since the war began in February 2022, deploying around 500 drones. The Ukrainian military stated they had managed to intercept a significant number of these drones.
Zelensky also countered Trump’s analogy of the conflict as two kids fighting in a park, stating, “We’re not playing; Putin is not a child. This isn’t something to trivialize.”
“It’s not about President Trump,” he continued, explaining that no one, especially not those distant from the conflict, can grasp the depth of suffering caused by the war.
Zelensky acknowledged that Trump had a notion of Russian victory in the war but challenged this belief harshly. “That’s a misconception; suffering millions has not equated to victory,” he stressed.
Additionally, Zelensky asserted that the Trump administration had redirected around 20,000 anti-drone missiles intended for Ukraine.
This interview from Zelensky coincides with a bipartisan movement in Congress aimed at substantially increasing sanctions against Russia.
