ZELENSKYY: WE SHARE THE GOAL OF PEACE WITH TRUMP—BUT DIFFER ON HOW TO ACHIEVE IT
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he and Donald Trump want Russia’s war to end, but disagree over the tools needed to achieve that goal. His argument centres on Ukraine’s experience of its neighbour—and the danger of misreading Putin.
Zelenskyy described Putin as deeply Soviet in his thinking, saying Ukrainians of his generation recognise that mentality because they grew up within the same system. “When Putin lies, we feel it,” he said.
For Ukraine, understanding the Kremlin comes from living beside it and enduring the consequences of its decisions. Zelenskyy argued that this gives Ukrainians insight into Russian society, the military and the fear of punishment that helps sustain obedience to Putin’s rule.
Washington approaches Moscow across a wider range of global security issues. Ukraine must also judge every proposal against an immediate reality: whether it protects its people and prevents another Russian attack.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that Trump has supported Ukraine on some matters while their views differ on others. That distinction matters. Wanting the war to end does not resolve the disagreement over sanctions, military assistance or the pressure necessary to make Moscow change course.
Ukrainian experience deserves a central place in those decisions. The country carrying the human cost of this war must have a decisive voice in determining what a credible peace requires.