Zelensky Criticizes the U.S.: "Putin Only Says Things That Make Him Feel Good"

Interview with Germany's ARD Broadcast
"They Only Want Quick Negotiations and a Swift Victory"
Points Out Weaknesses in European Security

President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a photo on his social media platform 'X' showing him shaking hands after arriving in T?rkiye on the 17th (local time) for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an of T?rkiye. In an interview with German ARD broadcast released that day, President Zelensky pointed out that recent conciliatory attitudes toward Russia by senior U.S. officials indicate "they want to please him (President Vladimir Putin)." /AFP·Yonhap AFP Yonhap News Photo by AFP

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, on the 17th (local time) criticized the United States' conciliatory attitude toward Russia, saying, "The problem is that the U.S. only says things that please Putin today."

In an interview with Germany's ARD broadcast released that day, President Zelensky referred to recent conciliatory attitudes shown by senior U.S. officials toward Russia, saying, "They want to please him (President Vladimir Putin)."

He added, "They want to quickly conclude negotiations and achieve a swift victory," but argued, "However, the 'simple ceasefire' they want is not a victory."

He further stated, "Because the U.S. and Russia have completely different cultures and values, the leaders of the two countries cannot truly have a good relationship," and said, "What the U.S. and Russia can agree on is only matters concerning bilateral relations. They can never negotiate our people and our lives."

Regarding the U.S. government's stance of drawing a line on Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and seeking peace negotiations with Russia, he said, "That should simply not be brought to the negotiating table. I think no one is interested in Afghanistan 2.0."

He also warned the West not to repeat past mistakes like the withdrawal from Afghanistan, saying, "We have experienced what happens when you withdraw very quickly without sufficient consideration."

President Zelensky also pointed out Europe's security weaknesses. On the other hand, he evaluated that Ukraine has grown into a stronger nation over the past three years.

Zelensky commented, "During the three years of the Ukraine war, European military strength has slightly improved, but it is weak in terms of combat troop numbers, naval power, air force strength, and drones."

He added, "It has become impossible for Putin to occupy us in the way he wanted," but asserted, "Without U.S. support, Ukraine's victory is absolutely impossible."

ARD reported that this interview was conducted at the Munich Security Conference held from the 14th to the 16th.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky wrote on Telegram that he arrived in T?rkiye with the first lady on the same day for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an. Since the day before, as the U.S. and Russia began peace negotiations excluding Europe, he has been securing allies by visiting countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).