Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the United States for allegedly trying to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin in efforts to resolve the ongoing war.
In an interview aired on Monday, February 17, Zelensky expressed concerns over recent US statements, stating, “The US is now saying things that are very favourable to Putin… because they want to please him.”
His remarks highlighted growing tensions between Ukraine and its key ally, as he dismissed the idea that simply agreeing to a ceasefire would be a true victory.
“What they want — ‘just a ceasefire’ — is not a win,” he stressed, emphasizing that Ukraine would not accept any settlement that compromises its territorial integrity.
Moreover, Zelensky voiced his discontent over suggestions that Ukraine should consider ceding Russian-occupied territories for peace.
“We will reclaim it all,” he asserted, making it clear that Ukraine remains committed to regaining full control of its land.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader raised concerns about Europe’s military preparedness, calling the continent “weak” in terms of combat readiness and infrastructure.
He warned that without strong US support, Europe would struggle to maintain security, further underscoring the importance of continued American assistance.
Furthermore, Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine had grown more resilient over the past three years but stressed that US backing remains essential.
He also addressed the possibility of foreign troops overseeing a ceasefire in the future, suggesting that American involvement would be crucial to maintaining stability.
While his comments reflected Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty, they also signaled a broader concern about global security.
When asked about his own future, Zelensky stated that he was willing to step down if it meant securing Ukraine’s long-term stability.
“If tomorrow Ukraine were accepted into the EU and NATO, if Russian troops were to withdraw and we got security guarantees, I wouldn’t be needed anymore,” he said.
His statement suggested that his leadership was not about holding onto power but ensuring that Ukraine achieved lasting peace and security.
However, with the war still ongoing, Ukraine remains firm in its fight to protect its sovereignty, relying heavily on support from its allies.
