Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleges Russia attempted to blackmail the U.S. regarding aid, while also criticizing Donald Trump’s strategy toward Ukraine on March 25.
Zelensky on U.S. Aid and Russian Pressure
According to Zelensky, the conflict in the Middle East significantly influences U.S. presidential decisions regarding Ukraine. He assessed that President Trump continues to favor a strategy of increasing pressure on Ukraine.
Zelensky warned that a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas would endanger both Ukraine and all of Europe, emphasizing the importance of U.S. security guarantees for eastern Ukraine.
Russian Alleged Blackmail of the U.S.
Zelensky stated that Russian intelligence services attempted to blackmail the United States, reportedly offering to withhold intelligence on Iran in exchange for a halt to U.S. aid to Ukraine. He unequivocally labeled this as blackmail.
Drone Cooperation and Ukrainian Production
Zelensky noted that Iranian drones attacking U.S. bases and regional countries contain Russian components. He stated Ukraine can produce 2,000 anti-drone systems daily with sufficient funding.
Ukraine intends to establish long-term drone cooperation agreements with Gulf countries. Collaboration between Iran and Russia in drone development is evident, with Iranian drones used by Russia to attack Ukraine, which has developed successful counter-drone technologies.
Ukraine has dispatched teams to five Middle Eastern countries to assist in combating Iranian drones.
Long-Range Weapons and Continued U.S. Support
Zelensky affirmed Ukraine possesses the capability to independently produce long-range weapons to counter Russian attacks. He confirmed the U.S. continues to provide weapons to Kyiv despite its conflict with Iran, including Patriot missile system components, though deliveries are below required levels.
Russia Denies Support for Iran
Russia officially denies providing intelligence support to Iran during its conflict with the U.S. and Israel. However, multiple media outlets, including AP, CNN, and the Washington Post, report evidence of such cooperation. Donald Trump stated on March 13 that Vladimir Putin “may be helping” Iran.