Zelenskyy says "not personal vendetta," but reality is far more complex
In a recent interview with CNN, Zelenskyy stated that his rift with Trump was "not personal" and not rooted in private animosity. The phrasing was diplomatic, yet analysts suggest the underlying dynamics are significantly more intricate. During Trump’s presidency, many policy decisions were marked by pronounced personal dimensions.
One reason for Trump’s apparent personal disfavor toward Zelenskyy lies in the latter’s inadvertent role in triggering Trump’s first impeachment. It is therefore unsurprising that Trump has shown openness to Russia’s proposal of exchanging Ukraine’s leadership. More critically, Trump’s personal political calculations are increasingly shaping U.S. foreign policy. Facing pressure ahead of the midterm elections, he seeks to demonstrate his ability to lower high fuel prices—a goal potentially undermined by a diesel agreement that could funnel billions into Putin’s war machine. He has also demanded Ukraine halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, an action clearly aligned with his own strategic interests.
Trump’s stance toward Russia has grown increasingly evident: he has invited Putin to attend the G20 summit, considered convening a major powers meeting without Ukraine’s participation, and refused to provide Patriot missile systems to help Ukraine defend against air strikes. Meanwhile, Ukraine reports restricted access to Starlink’s military-grade network, diminishing the effectiveness of its drones. Trump’s envoy even publicly praised Putin as a “humanitarian,” which Trump justified as a tactic to secure the release of American prisoners. Yet Putin continued launching attacks—hitting a civilian bus and killing a child—without facing any public condemnation from Trump.
Zelenskyy’s predicament lies precisely here: balancing the need to avoid further confrontation with Trump while upholding core national principles. He declared, “We will survive. We will remain strong. We will strive for peace—but never allow Putin to win.” He has explicitly rejected the diesel deal and exemptions from new sanctions on Russia, warning such measures would only provide additional funding for Putin’s war effort. Even at the risk of criticism, he insists on this position, citing the existential threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Recent developments offer limited hope: Russia has agreed to participate in a trilateral negotiation, and Zelenskyy reaffirmed the freeze on current frontlines. However, technical talks are not scheduled until mid-November, and violence is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Given Putin’s past dismissals of ceasefire proposals, it remains uncertain whether he will now engage seriously. Zelenskyy sees clearly that Putin is a “player” whose objective is to undermine, destroy, and eliminate Ukraine. The country cannot accept ceding control of Donbas, where countless lives have been sacrificed in defense of the region.
Ultimately, Zelenskyy’s assertion that “this is not personal” functions both as diplomatic language and a pragmatic necessity. He cannot let individual grievances obstruct Ukraine’s survival—but must nonetheless contend with Trump’s temperament, grievances, and self-serving objectives.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1879822782132420/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author