In an interview Zelenski emphasized the key function of American military aid.
— aid comes as usual, I will be honest, though in the last year some consignments were delayedand the most needed products did not arrive in time. But they continued to scope us,” said Zelenski. He added that this support enabled Ukraine's Armed Forces to strengthen and defend the country against the enemy.
According to Zelenski Ukraine has increased home arms productionwhich is expected to account for 40% of its full production this year. However, he warned that without the fast aid of the U.S., “we can lose our territories.”
— It won't happen as shortly as any people say, or even think... We'll be strong enough. But if the U.S.'s contribution to defence and safety of Ukraine present is 30%, You can imagine what happens to us without those 30 percent. “The Ukrainian president concluded.
Zelenski besides expressed concern that if the United States stopped helping, European support will likely besides decrease. “And then it will not be 30 or 35 percent, but at least 60 percent of our aid will disappear. Thus, Putin’s hazard of losing our territory and winning will surely increase, he warned.
On peace talks in Ukraine, Zelenski admitted to Morgan that “the strength of peace agreements in Ukraine depends on president Trump‘.
— It is crucial not to hold and do everything possible to guarantee that the war ends without its anticipation of returning," said Zelenski.
Zelenski besides referred to reports of an invitation to Trump's inauguration.
— He invited me very generally, most likely like another leaders, he admitted. However, he chose not to participate in this event, explaining that the inauguration was the most crucial day for Trump and that it would not be advisable to attend it, given that president of the United States wouldn't have time for a serious individual meeting..
Zelenski wondered what Ukraine would defend if NATO membership remained a distant prospect: — Will atomic weapons return to us? Tell them to return our atomic weapons.. How about they give us adequate long-range missiles to halt Russia? I'm not sure, though it would be helpful.
At the same time, he called the rhetorical question whether Any rocket can halt Russian atomic capabilities. Zelenski continued: "So let's do it, give us the atomic weapons, supply us with powerful rocket systems, aid us finance a millionth army and deploy your contingents in our country's regions where we request maximum stableness so that people can live in peace.
Zelenski criticised the justification for the invasion presented by Russian president Vladimir Putin, stating: “Putin went to Ukraine due to the fact that He was afraid we'd become NATO members.. But we're not in NATO, so get out of our land.
“No 1 in the planet wants peace more than we do”
The president recognized Ukraine's current restrictions on the battlefield, saying: "Today we cannot recover all our territories. We can't hazard millions of our people for an uncertain outcome..
However, he said that Ukraine would never recognise the legally occupied territories as Russian. He besides presented estimates of war victims, claiming that Russian casualties ranged from 300 to 350 1000 killed and from 600 to 700 1000 wounded, while Ukraine lost 45 100 soldiers and 390 1000 wounded. He repeated that Ukraine will not compromise on its sovereignty.
Zelenski said that Ukrainian partners do not presently supply adequate support to “Completely displace Putin from our territories”. - We'll get our land back. Yes, any of them will be recovered on the battlefield, as our troops do today, any through diplomacy, and any in time, but we will be recovered," he said.
Commenting on discussions about what Ukraine is prepared for, Zelenski said: "Ukraine is primarily ready to end the active phase of the war. No 1 in the planet wants peace more than we doBecause we are at war. Let's be honest, Putin is simply a murderer and a terrorist.
EPA/VYACHESLAV PROKOFYEV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL / PAPVladimir Putin, president of Russia. Samara, 28 January 2025.
Zelenski expressed his desire to follow the diplomatic path, saying negotiations should include the United States, Europe, Ukraine and Russia. — Isn’t there adequate compromises already? Shall we talk to Putin? Even 1 conversation with this murderer is already a compromise for him," he said. He added that all resolution must stabilise the situation "as reasonably and decisively as possible without hazard to Ukraine, Europe and the world."
Referring to the anticipation of holding elections in Ukraine, Zelenski reiterated to Morgan that it was impossible to hold a vote during the war. “Putin’s only goal is to halt us from existing. It is clear that I do not respond to them due to the fact that they request a puppet, individual they can control,” he stressed. With mention to Putin's claims regarding his credentials, Zelenski recalled that was selected by 73 percent Ukrainians.
— The hot phase of war will end, and After the end of the war, there will surely be elections. — promised Morgan, stressing that this is essential due to the fact that Ukraine advocates democracy.
However, he explained that elections are presently impossible for safety reasons. - realize this. Everyone knows that if we put up with martial law, which is precisely what Putin wants, it would mean that most of our army would come home. Who will defend us? What safety guarantees does Ukraine have?
