On October 28, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with the British publication The Sun that while he and U.S. President Donald Trump share a common goal of ending the war with Russia, their approaches to achieving this goal differ significantly.
Understanding the Russian Mentality
Zelensky emphasized that his generation, having grown up in the Soviet Union, has a better understanding of the mentality of Vladimir Putin and the Russian people. According to him, Ukrainians have a unique experience of coexistence with Russians, which allows them to sense when Putin is lying.
- Zelensky highlighted that Ukrainians know when Russians are ready to act and when they fear Putin.
- He believes that Russians can be punished for refusing to carry out orders related to the war.
Differences in Approaches to Ending the War
The Ukrainian President stressed that while Trump supports the need to end the war, their views on the tools to achieve this goal vary. Zelensky believes that his experience and knowledge of Russians give him an advantage in understanding the situation.
He also noted that under the significant pressure on Ukraine, he is compelled to speak louder to defend the interests of the state. Zelensky emphasized that speaking the truth is one of their forms of weaponry.
Ukraine's Diplomatic Efforts
Zelensky assured that he does not intend to play diplomatic games with partners and will use all available formats of diplomacy to protect Ukraine. He stressed the importance of an active position in international relations, especially in times of war.