The shift in the US focus is easing the pressure on Russia, says Zelenskyy
In an interview with Newsmax, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the shift in US priorities towards the Middle East is reducing pressure on Russia and could affect the duration of the war.
“We all want to stop this war. The problem is that the United States’ priority has now shifted to the Middle East,” he said.
Zelenskyy emphasised that without increased pressure from Washington, Russia will not move towards peace.
“I fear that if there are only talks, Russia will not feel the most important thing America can give us: pressure on them,” he added.
He noted that US military support continues.
“I’m not talking about their arms packages. That continues, and we’re grateful for it, that we can use European funds and purchase some anti-ballistic missiles,” said the president.
According to him, Ukraine maintains daily contact with American officials, but he stressed that military aid alone is not enough without economic and political pressure.
“The United States can apply pressure through sanctions, but right now they are easing them because of the Middle East, and we are feeling the effects of that. And I am afraid, because Russia is not feeling the pressure, and for them it is normal to continue this war,” Zelenskyy noted.
The President also drew attention to the easing of sanctions on Russian oil against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East. He expressed hope that the sanctions would be reinstated.
Despite the war, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s position on the battlefield has improved in recent months. “Incidentally, Russia is not in a strong position. They are not winning. We are in the best position we have been in for the last 9–10 months; I am referring to the situation on the battlefield, but in any case, it is better to stop the war,” he said.
He also reported that Ukraine had refused to limit strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, despite signals from partners.
“We have received signals from our partners that, due to the situation in the Middle East, it might not be worth attacking certain infrastructure in Russia. And, of course, I said no, we will respond… no one has offered us an energy truce. We are open to this, but if Russia attacks, we will respond,” the president noted.
Commenting on the situation in the Middle East, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had provided assistance to certain countries, as well as support related to US operations. “Some institutions in the United States also asked us for support, and, of course, we are partners and decided to do so,” he said.
The President also criticised Vice-President J.D. Vance’s stance on aid to Ukraine. “I disagree with the Vice-President. We are open and we are not enemies. Russia is the enemy,” said Zelenskyy.
He added that a reduction in support would weaken Ukraine and the US and strengthen Moscow’s position. “Russia does not respect weakness, and if no one helps us, we will be in a weaker position,” he noted.
At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of the partnership with the US. “I am confident that the United States is a great partner for Ukraine, and Ukrainians can also strengthen the United States. In business, they say it’s a win-win, so why not win,” he said.
It is also noted that Sunday marked the 40th anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
The US State Department announced its intention to allocate $100 million for the repair of the facility’s outer containment structure following damage caused by a drone strike last year. The total cost of the restoration is estimated at approximately $575 million.
