Zelenskyj: Guarantees for Kyiv will be effective only if the USA provides them

In the interview, Zelensky praised the elected American president, who promised a quick end to the war, although he did not explain how. According to Zelensky, Ukraine is counting on Trump to force Moscow to agree to permanent peace.

“Without the United States, security guarantees are not possible. I mean security guarantees that can prevent Russian aggression,” said Zelenskyj. The Ukrainian president further stated that he must meet with Trump before determining the course of action that will stop Russia. According to Zelensky, the European governments must also have a say in this process. Then Kyiv can hold direct talks with the Russian side.

Almost three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Trump’s election raised hopes for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, but also fears in Kyiv that a quick peace will come at a high price, reports Reuters.

Zelenskyy used the three-hour interview, which was published on YouTube on Sunday evening, to repeat the call for Ukraine to become a member of NATO. He also emphasized that a ceasefire without security guarantees for Kiev would only give Russia time to rearm for a new attack.