Zelensky: US pressuring Ukraine as it is easier than acting against Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on Washington's position regarding the end of the war at a press conference in Dublin. He noted that the demands for concessions from Kyiv instead of pressure on Moscow are driven by convenience for the US, as acting against Ukraine is easier than against Russia.

Lack of trust in Putin

The head of state emphasised that Ukraine is not ready to agree to a deal that entails withdrawal from Donbas. He cited the unwillingness to trust the Russian leader as the main obstacle.

«Це простий спосіб, як говорити з росіянами: тиснути на нас, щоб ми покинули Донбас, і буде угода. Ми не готові до такої угоди, ми не готові довіряти Путіну» (This is a simple way to talk to the Russians: pressure us to leave Donbas, and there will be a deal. We are not ready for such a deal, we are not ready to trust Putin), Zelensky stated.

Expectations of a different approach

At the same time, the president expressed hope that the United States could find an alternative path to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. He is counting on joint work with European partners.

«Звісно, простіше тиснути на нас, але я сподіюсь, що США знайдуть інший шлях, з Європою. Ми розраховуємо на це» (Of course, it is easier to pressure us, but I hope that the US will find another path, with Europe. We are counting on this), he added.