Peace Negotiations? Zelensky: "Russia is Terrorist... Inviting Trump"

US NBC Broadcast Interview
"US Also Knows It Is Not Ready for Dialogue"

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations led by the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated bluntly, "We do not engage in any talks with terrorists." He directly addressed former President Donald Trump, who claimed that the Ukraine war could be ended within 24 hours, urging him to visit Ukraine and see the war situation firsthand.

In an interview with the US NBC network aired on the 5th (local time), President Zelensky was asked about recent media reports that US and European Union (EU) officials are discussing peace negotiations with the Ukrainian government. He responded, "The United States knows that I am not ready to talk with terrorists," adding, "We cannot trust terrorists. Their words mean nothing."

Earlier, NBC reported that US and EU officials have begun mentioning terms that would accompany peace negotiations to end the war with Russia to the Ukrainian government. As fatigue over the Russia-Ukraine war, which has lasted over 18 months, combines with the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, Western countries, having reached the limits of military and humanitarian support, are fostering an atmosphere for a ceasefire.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

President Zelensky also denied assessments that the war situation has reached a stalemate. He acknowledged, "The situation is difficult," but stated, "I do not see this as a stalemate." He continued, "Our military is advancing faster and is planning various operations for unexpected attacks against Russia," adding, "Russia continues to dominate the air, and without an air defense system, our advance is slow."

This was a rebuttal to Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi’s remarks in a media interview that "the war is moving into a trench warfare or static phase," which would give the Russian military time to rebuild its forces.

Regarding the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, he said, "I am convinced that Russia, together with Iran, is behind Hamas and supports Hamas," asserting, "They should be blamed." He added, "To end this war and sit at the negotiating table, these countries must be acknowledged as being behind it," further stating, "North Korea is also involved. You must have seen how many North Korean military supplies were found in Gaza. This is an absolute fact." He then said, "When terrorists attack and behead children, you have the full right to protect your people and defend your country."

Regarding former President Donald Trump, a leading Republican presidential candidate, who said he could have ended the Ukraine war within 24 hours if re-elected, President Zelensky said, "I invite former President Trump (to Ukraine)." He continued, "It would take me only 24 minutes to explain to former President Trump that he cannot manage this war. Because of Russian President Vladimir Putin, peace cannot be brought immediately to the battlefield."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.