Zelenski Appeals to Trump, Has Response for Putin: “We Cannot Be Fools”

Ukrainian President Zelenski called on Trump to support Ukraine during a CNN interview, while addressing key conditions for peace.

Appeal to Trump

In a CNN interview on February 23, Ukrainian President Zelenski appealed to Donald Trump to “remain on Ukraine’s side.” He expressed hope that the U.S. president would support Kyiv during Tuesday’s address. According to Zelenski, Trump is not exerting sufficient pressure on Vladimir Putin, who started the war. “Putin is the war,” Zelenski emphasized, stating that U.S. involvement is necessary to stop him.

No Surrender of Donbas Territory

While Ukraine agrees to freeze the war on current front lines, Putin demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from approximately 20% of the Donbas region—the remaining area under Ukrainian control. This territory contains industrial cities, railway lines, and roads that supply the front. Zelenski refused to cede these lands, stating, “We cannot be, sorry, fools. We are not children.”

Approximately 200,000 civilians live in this territory. Zelenski rhetorically asked what he should tell these people and soldiers: “Okay, bye, bye. We’re leaving. You are Russians from this moment on?”

Post-War Security Guarantees

When an agreement is reached between Ukraine and Russia, security guarantees will be crucial, Zelenski stated. He considers this still a contentious issue, though Kyiv finds some guarantees acceptable. Zelenski demands concrete answers from partners about what they will do if Putin returns and wants guarantees ratified by the U.S. Congress before signing any agreement.

Elections in Ukraine

Zelenski addressed Ukrainian elections, which Russia and the U.S. have demanded. Putin claims Zelenski serves illegally due to no presidential elections in 2024. According to the Center for Eastern Studies, elections weren’t held due to the ongoing state of war, which prohibits presidential elections. Laws in such situations provide for extending the president’s term, which happened in Zelenski’s case.

“What do they want? Another president? Fine,” Zelenski stated. He suggested that the desire to change leadership may stem from the belief that another leader would meet Russian expectations.

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