"He has enough power to put pressure on Putin (Vladimir Putin, President of Russia)." Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, praised Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, as the right person to end the Ukraine war. At the same time, he estimated that the number of casualties among North Korean troops deployed by Russia and involved in the Ukraine war has reached about 3,800.
According to AFP and other sources, President Zelensky stated in an interview with American podcaster Rex Friedman, released on the 5th (local time), that President-elect Trump will play an important role in guaranteeing Ukraine's security. He said, "I believe Trump has not only the will but all the possibilities," emphasizing, "This is not just empty talk. I truly believe in him. Our people also really believe in him."
Additionally, President Zelensky mentioned that all European leaders are closely watching President-elect Trump's moves. He said, "Whether meeting in person or talking on the phone, whenever I discuss something with President-elect Trump, all European leaders always ask, 'How was it?'" He added, "This shows President-elect Trump's influence. This is unprecedented for a U.S. president." He further added, "This also gives confidence that he can stop this war."
Earlier, President-elect Trump had repeatedly stated that he would immediately end the Ukraine war if he became president. However, he did not specify how he would achieve the ceasefire. Trump, who is negative about supporting the Ukraine war, openly mocked President Zelensky as an "all-time great salesman." On the other hand, AFP noted that Trump has occasionally praised President Putin.
In this interview, President Zelensky did not hold back personal praise either. Regarding Trump's victory over Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris in the November presidential election last year, he evaluated, "(Trump) was much stronger," adding that he proved his strength "both intellectually and physically." He also said, "It is important to show that if you want a strong country, you must be strong, and he (Trump) was strong."
All these moves are interpreted as a strategy to end the war favorably for his country after the inauguration of the next Trump administration. By personally praising President-elect Trump while simultaneously undervaluing the current administration, namely President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris, he is engaging in a kind of flattery. Friedman's podcast is also a media outlet where President-elect Trump appeared during his election campaign.
When asked whether he would attend President-elect Trump's inauguration on January 20, President Zelensky replied, "I can only attend if personally invited," adding, "If he invites me, I will go."
In this interview, President Zelensky explained that the ceasefire strategy to be pursued after the inauguration of the Trump administration consists of two stages: reaching an agreement with President Trump and negotiating with Russia. He said, "Trump and I will reach an agreement, and the U.S. will provide strong security guarantees together with Europe," adding, "Then we can negotiate with Russia." Regarding what is needed for Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, he cited security guarantees and joining the collective defense system under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He said, "Without security guarantees, Putin will attack again."
He also expressed concern that if the U.S. withdraws from NATO as President-elect Trump has threatened, it would mean "the end of NATO." He said President Putin's goals are a "weak NATO," a "Ukraine that cannot survive the war," and "to prevent building a strong relationship with Trump."
Furthermore, he estimated that the number of North Korean casualties fighting against Ukrainian forces after being deployed by Russia is 3,800. He explained, "12,000 arrived, and as of today, 3,800 have died or been injured," adding, "Because North Korea is a dictatorship, it can bring in 30,000 to 40,000, possibly up to 500,000 more by order." North Korean troops are known to be integrated into Russian marine and airborne units, fighting against Ukrainian forces. They have reportedly repeatedly used human wave tactics, being defenselessly exposed to Ukrainian drones and artillery fire. The Ukraine war has recently intensified ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Trump, who has announced a policy for an early ceasefire.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
