Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that any security guarantees for his country to end the war with Russia would only be meaningful if they were provided by the United States.
He expressed hope that he would meet soon with the newly elected U.S. president, Donald Trump, after his inauguration on January 20.
“Without the U.S., security guarantees are not possible,” he said in a three-part interview with Lex Fridman, which was published on January 5.
“I’m talking about security guarantees that could prevent Russian aggression,” he added.
During the interview, which took place in Kyiv, Zelensky spoke in English, Ukrainian, and even Russian. He mentioned that he believes a ceasefire without security guarantees for Kyiv would be used by the Kremlin as an opportunity to resupply and reorganize for new offensives.
As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, deaths and destruction continue in many Ukrainian cities, especially in the east and in areas occupied by Russian forces, but also in Kursk, a Russian border region.
Uncertain times await Kyiv as Trump is expected to return to the White House on January 20.
Trump, who has been critical of the level of U.S. aid provided to Ukraine, has consistently promised to end the conflict quickly, although he has given few details on how this would be achieved. Many Ukraine supporters are concerned that he may push for conditions that would be unacceptable to Kyiv.
Efforts for a ceasefire are inevitable, given Trump’s promises to end the war in a short period of time.
The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden has provided nearly $60 billion in military and other aid to Ukraine over the past four years.
Zelensky has had a long and difficult history with Trump.
The first impeachment trial of Trump, in 2019, was triggered by a phone call he had with Zelensky, in which Trump appeared to condition U.S. military aid on an investigation by Ukraine into Biden’s family.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Zelensky. During his campaign, he often referred to the Ukrainian president as “the best salesman in the world”—a reference to the tens of billions of dollars in aid that lawmakers from both U.S. parties have approved since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, during the interview, Zelensky said he is confident that Trump will bring about a fair and sustainable peace deal, along with the requested security guarantees.
“Trump and I will reach an agreement… to offer strong security guarantees, together with Europe, and then we can talk to the Russians. We and Trump are the first, and Europe will support Ukraine’s position,” he said.
“I think President Trump not only has the will, but he also has all the means, and these are not just words.”
“I really rely on him, and I believe our people truly rely on him, so he has enough power to put pressure on [Russian President Vladimir] Putin,” Zelensky added.
When asked what he needs to consider a ceasefire, Zelensky stated that it is security guarantees, preferably including NATO membership, something Putin has strongly opposed.
NATO membership was one of the initial justifications Russia used for launching the war against Ukraine.
For any agreement, Zelensky said that Western partners must at least guarantee security on Ukrainian territory that is currently not under Russian occupation, continue military support, and maintain economic sanctions against Russia.
“Without security guarantees, Putin will attack again,” he warned.
According to Zelensky, Putin’s goals are a “weak NATO” and an “Ukraine that cannot survive on the battlefield,” and “to undermine a strong relationship with Trump.”/ VOA
