Security guarantees for Kiev in a war with Russia would only be effective if provided by the United States. This was said on Sunday evening by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who expressed hope to meet US President-elect Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration. TASR informs about it based on reports from Reuters and AFP.
Zelenskyj in an interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman singled out Trump, who said he would end the war quickly, though he did not explain how. According to Zelensky, the Ukrainians hope to force Moscow to agree to permanent peace. The election of Trump, who will return to the White House on January 20, has raised hopes for a diplomatic solution but also concerns in Kyiv, that a quick peace will demand a high price.
Ukrainian president from interview again he called for his country’s NATO membership and emphasized his belief that a ceasefire without security guarantees for Kiev would only give Russia time to rearm for a new attack.
Zelenskyy underlined the important role he believes the White House will play under Trump and claimed that he and the US president-elect agree that in the effort to end the conflict a “peace through strength” approach is needed.
“Without the United States, security guarantees are not possible. I mean security guarantees that can prevent Russian aggression,” said Zelensky.
He added that must negotiate with Trump to determine the next course of action to stop Russia, while European governments must also be involved in this process before Kyiv can hold direct talks with Moscow.
