Zelenskyy: I haven't seen any signal from the United States indicating a willingness to involve Europe in negotiations

Speaking in an interview with Germany's ZDF television, Zelenskyy said, "President Donald Trump is not standing with me, but he's also not standing with Russia. Certainly, the signals he has sent to Russia are far more positive than those sent to Ukraine."

[Journalist asks: Are you concerned that Trump and Putin might strike a deal—Russia stops providing intelligence data to Iran, while the U.S. stops aiding Ukraine?]

Zelenskyy replied: "I know that Putin has reached out to Trump. Maybe not personally, but that’s just a detail. The fact remains that Russians have contacted U.S. officials, urging them not to support us. As far as I know, in exchange, Russia would cease supporting Iran. Yes, without intelligence support, countering Russian ballistic missiles would be extremely, extremely difficult. But on other fronts, we can manage on our own."

[Journalist reminds Zelenskyy of his earlier statement: 'Putin only fears Trump, not others, and certainly not Europeans'], and asks how Europe could do more than provide financial aid—how it could actually gain a seat at the negotiation table.

Zelenskyy responded: "To change America’s attitude and perception toward Europe, one must understand this: there are divisions and lack of unity between Trump and European leaders, and Russia is very pleased about that. Therefore, Europe must first sort out its internal affairs before even thinking about negotiating with Russia.

The U.S. is being remarkably pragmatic in its diplomacy toward Russia—more so than toward Europe. In tripartite negotiations, European countries struggle to find their own position. This is crucial, yet extremely difficult. I see no sign whatsoever that the U.S. wants Europe involved.

Europe is autonomous, strong, and independent. It can sit at the negotiation table not because it begs for an invitation, but because it will be invited. To achieve that, Europe must become strong and independent—and that will require tremendous effort."

[Journalist presses again: Do you believe that Trump, who scares Putin, is now on your side?]

Zelenskyy answered: "My sense is that from the very beginning, he has made clear his position: he is neutral. That means he is not on my side, nor on Russia’s. The signals he sends to Russia are indeed more favorable than those to Ukraine—this is simply the reality.

Because Putin fears the United States, Washington has leverage over him.

But if the U.S. does not pressure Putin, instead opting for a mild dialogue with Russia, then Russia will no longer fear the U.S."

 

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862582639821824/

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