Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized recent US statements regarding the Ukraine conflict, accusing the United States of attempting to “please” Moscow in its efforts to bring the war to an end.
In an interview aired on Monday, February 17, Zelensky responded to comments made by US officials that he believed were overly accommodating toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The US is now saying things that are very favorable to Putin… because they want to please him,” Zelensky remarked, referring to US efforts to secure a swift resolution to the conflict.
Zelensky rejected the idea of a ceasefire being considered a victory, stressing that Ukraine would not agree to any settlement merely to end the war. “What they want — ‘just a ceasefire’ — is not a win,” he stated, highlighting the importance of protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He firmly stated that Ukraine would not concede any of the territory that Russia has occupied, asserting, “We will reclaim it all.”
Speaking during the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky also voiced concerns about Europe’s military readiness, warning that the continent would remain vulnerable without the security backing of the United States. He described Europe as “weak” in terms of military strength, combat readiness, and infrastructure, noting that the situation had not improved significantly in recent years.
Zelensky emphasized the critical role of US support in helping Ukraine withstand Russian aggression. While he acknowledged Ukraine’s growing resilience over the past three years, he insisted that a Ukrainian victory would not be achievable without continued US assistance. He also discussed the potential need for foreign troops to oversee a ceasefire in the future, underlining the importance of US involvement in maintaining cohesion among Ukraine’s allies.
When asked whether he would step down to achieve peace, Zelensky expressed his willingness to do whatever it takes for Ukraine’s future, including stepping aside if the country were to join the EU and NATO and receive security guarantees. “If tomorrow Ukraine were accepted into the EU and NATO, if Russian troops were to withdraw and we got security guarantees, I wouldn’t be needed anymore,” he added.
