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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hopes for stronger pressure from Donald Trump and the White House on Russia to force it to end the war, while stressing that Ukraine ultimately relies on its own citizens, armed forces, and industry.
In an interview with Financial Times, Zelenskyy said Washington’s pressure on Ukraine to make concessions for peace currently feels stronger than its pressure on Moscow. He noted that restrictions on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, sanctions on companies, and limits on energy exports are costly for the Kremlin, and urged the United States to intensify measures against sectors financing Russia’s war machine.
“I hope Trump and the United States will pressure Russia and stop Vladimir Putin,” he said. “But I rely first of all on Ukrainians, our army, and our production.”
At the same time, Zelenskyy warned that any ceasefire without clear security guarantees would pose “major risks” for Ukraine. Speaking earlier at the Munich Security Conference in mid-February, he said Washington had proposed security guarantees lasting 15 years, while Kyiv is seeking commitments ranging from 20 to 50 years.
