Three weeks after his controversial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has finally broken his silence and spoken about the heated argument, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the endgame in Ukraine.
In an exclusive interview with a leading news channel, Zelensky opened up about his experience with Trump and the impact it has had on his country. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, has been the subject of much speculation and criticism.
Zelensky, a former comedian who rose to fame with his TV show “Servant of the People”, was elected as Ukraine’s president earlier this year on a platform of anti-corruption and reform. His landslide victory was seen as a rejection of the old political establishment and a hope for a new era in Ukrainian politics.
However, his meeting with Trump has raised concerns about his ability to stand up to powerful leaders and defend his country’s interests. The two leaders reportedly had a heated exchange over military aid and the ongoing conflict with Russia in eastern Ukraine.
But Zelensky remains unfazed by the criticism and stands by his decision to meet with Trump. “I am the president of Ukraine and it is my duty to meet with other world leaders, including President Trump,” he said. “I will always put the interests of my country first and I will not be intimidated by anyone.”
The Ukrainian president also addressed the issue of Russian aggression in his country. Since 2014, Ukraine has been embroiled in a conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which has claimed over 13,000 lives.
Zelensky expressed his frustration with the lack of progress in resolving the conflict and called on the international community to take a stronger stance against Russia. “We need a united front against Russian aggression. It is not just a problem for Ukraine, it is a threat to global security,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and reiterated his commitment to the Minsk agreements, a peace deal signed in 2015 that has yet to be fully implemented. “We want to end this war and bring peace to our country. But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of our international partners,” he stated.
Zelensky’s bold stance against Russia has earned him praise from many in Ukraine, who see him as a strong and decisive leader. His popularity has also been on the rise, with recent polls showing his approval rating at over 70%.
But the Ukrainian president is not just focused on the conflict with Russia. He has also been working towards implementing much-needed reforms in his country, including tackling corruption and improving the economy.
“We have a lot of work to do in Ukraine, but we are determined to bring about real change for our people,” Zelensky said. “We are open to cooperation and investment from other countries, and we are committed to creating a better future for our citizens.”
As Zelensky looks towards the future, he remains optimistic about the endgame in Ukraine. “I believe that we will overcome our challenges and emerge stronger as a nation. We have a resilient and determined people, and together we can achieve great things,” he said.
In the face of adversity, Zelensky’s unwavering determination and positive outlook serve as an inspiration to his country and the world. As he continues to navigate the complex political landscape, one thing is clear – he is a leader who will not back down in the face of challenges and will always put the interests of his country first.
