Putin is afraid of the unity of Europe and the United States. He is trying to divide them with all his might, Zelensky said in an interview with four European media outlets. In it, he insisted that Europe participate in peace talks.
"We believe that the Americans will continue to be our reliable partner", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a joint interview with ARD, the BBC and other European media outlets. In it, he stressed the importance of the United States in Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.
"If America remains strong and does not give in, we will also maintain our position. It is important that our partners remain strong. I hope they will be like that,", Zelensky said. Without the US, defense and protection of civilians do not function - that is why US assistance is so important.
The US is influenced by Russian propaganda
However, the Ukrainian president also criticized the US - the US was influenced by Russian propaganda. Some in Washington are repeating Russian narratives, Zelensky said, giving the example of US special envoy Steve Witkoff. He has repeatedly used Russian narratives and said that Putin is "friendly".
"This will not bring us closer to peace. It will even weaken US pressure on Russia." Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid of the unity of Europe and the United States - he is trying to divide them with all his might, Zelensky also said.
Zelensky hopes for stricter US sanctions
During the joint interview with ARD and other European media, Zelensky made an effort to keep his tone towards Washington polite - despite the scandal in the White House at the end of February. The Ukrainian president expressed great gratitude to the United States for their support. According to him, President Donald Trump understood how great the threat from Russia was.
As for a possible ceasefire, Zelensky stressed his will to achieve it, but rejected the possibility that Russia would also want this. "We were ready for a complete ceasefire. However, Russia was only ready for a ceasefire in the Black Sea," Zelensky said.
According to him, Russia has no interest in a ceasefire, but wants to regain control of the war. That is why Zelensky hopes that Trump will tighten sanctions against Russia. "Everything that will bring us closer to a truce will bring us closer to peace," the Ukrainian president pointed out.
Europe must also participate in the negotiations
So far, Ukraine and Russia have only negotiated with the United States about a possible peace - European countries did not participate, but have repeatedly stated that they want to join the talks. So far, without success.
Zelensky stressed that Europe must also be at the table in the peace negotiations. He is very familiar with the fears of Eastern European countries of a possible Russian attack. He is also aware that these countries are worried about the fact that negotiations are conducted only between great powers and on their terms. History knows similar examples.
"Let us believe that this time it will not be like that," Zelensky said. "I have met with many of our partners and understand what they are ready for. I also believe that this experience is enough to feel in time where we have support and where they are betraying us", the Ukrainian president pointed out. "Ukraine defends itself and so does Europe."
Talks in Paris
In Paris today, 30 heads of state and government are discussing further support for Ukraine. During the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing", the main topic is security guarantees if a ceasefire is reached.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have been making efforts for weeks to unite European allies on Ukraine.