Zelensky Unsure of Trump’s Allegiance Amid Ceasefire Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared taken aback when questioned directly by a journalist who asked: “Who is Donald Trump more closely aligned with, you or Putin?” The inquiry arose amidst ongoing discussions regarding a potential Black Sea ceasefire. Russia is purportedly seeking sanctions relief in exchange for ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels, sparking worries that the Russian leader is attempting to shift the parameters of the agreement.
President’s Uncertainty Follows Question on Trump-Putin Alignment
Facing the direct question, President Zelensky paused before responding with, “Difficult for me to say,” during a panel discussion with European journalists in Paris. His indecision regarding the question was evident, and perhaps understandable, considering his recent contentious exchange with Trump at the White House and the subsequent implications for US-Ukraine relations. Mr. Zelensky’s statements occurred as he addressed a recently negotiated ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea, which has been complicated by Russian demands to lift sanctions in return for allowing commercial ships safe transit.
Russian Demands for Sanctions Relief Cloud Black Sea Agreement
Kremlin Sets Conditions for Ceasefire
The Kremlin insisted on preconditions, including the revocation of restrictions on Russian financial institutions involved in agricultural trade and the reinstatement of their access to the SWIFT payment system.
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US Response to Sanctions Pressure
The White House verified that separate negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations and American officials in Saudi Arabia had yielded an agreement. However, Moscow’s subsequent list of stipulations immediately cast doubt upon the ceasefire’s durability.
When prompted on whether the US would resist Russian pressure to relax sanctions, Zelensky replied: “I hope so. God bless, they will. But we’ll see.”
He also tackled concerns about disagreements within the US regarding ongoing support for Ukraine, affirming that he remained “very grateful” for cross-party backing but expressing apprehension that certain perspectives in America were being “influenced by Russian narratives”.
Zelensky Addresses US Support and Trump Envoy’s Comments
During the discussion, Mr. Zelensky was also questioned about recent remarks from Steve Witkoff, a Trump representative who dismissed European efforts to establish a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine. Witkoff, a real estate developer, had implied such initiatives lacked substance.
Mr. Zelensky responded with a thinly veiled criticism, stating: “As far as I know, he knows very well how to buy and sell real estate, but that’s somewhat different.”
Concerns over Shifting US Foreign Policy
The exchange highlighted the ambiguity surrounding Mr. Trump’s position on Ukraine. While the US President has expressed scepticism about military assistance to Kyiv, his administration previously provided lethal aid, including anti-tank missiles, to counter Russian aggression.
Mr. Zelensky’s moment of hesitation regarding Mr. Trump’s allegiances may reflect wider anxieties about how US foreign policy could evolve under his leadership.
Ukraine’s Reliance on Western Support
With the war in Ukraine entering its third year, Kyiv remains heavily dependent on Western support, rendering American leadership a vital factor in its resistance against Russia.