Call for a Clear U.S. Commitment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to set out a “clear position” on sanctions against Russia and security guarantees for Kyiv, saying only firm commitments can end the war with Vladimir Putin.
In an interview with Sky News’ lead world presenter, Yalda Hakim, at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv, Mr Zelenskyy stressed that any peace deal must be backed by binding guarantees.
He insisted that the responsibility lay with the United States and its leadership.
“Before We End the War”
The president said he hoped Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would raise the issue with Mr Trump during his state visit to the UK this week.
“Before we end the war, I really want to have all the agreements in place,” he said.
“I want to have a document that is supported by the US and all European partners. This is very important.”
“To make this happen, we need a clear position from President Trump.”
Strong Steps Against Moscow
Mr Zelenskyy argued that Washington must take “strong personal steps” to confront the Kremlin.
He said Mr Trump’s calls for NATO allies to halt Russian oil imports and impose tariffs on China needed to be followed with direct action.
“I believe Donald Trump can give us air defence systems in quantity, and the US has enough,” he said.
“Make Putin Afraid”
The Ukrainian leader insisted sanctions remained the key to stopping Moscow’s war machine.
“I’m sure the US can apply enough sanctions to hurt the Russian economy,” he said.
“Donald Trump has enough force to make Putin afraid of him.”
He noted that Europe had already introduced 18 sanctions packages, but said a tough U.S. plan was still missing.
Frustration Over Trump-Putin Talks
Mr Zelenskyy also criticised the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, accusing the U.S. leader of giving away too much.
“He gave a lot to Putin,” he said. “He should have paid more for it.”
“I believe, if it were a trilateral meeting [with Ukraine included], we would have some result.”
NATO’s Readiness Tested
The interview coincided with reports that British fighter jets were deployed over Poland following a Russian drone incursion.
Asked what message Putin was sending, Mr Zelenskyy warned that the Russian president was probing NATO’s limits.
“He’s testing NATO,” he said. “He wants to see what they’re ready for, diplomatically and politically, and how the local population will respond.”
Warning Over Air Defence
Mr Zelenskyy added that Moscow’s message was also aimed at Western military planners.
“In my opinion, the other message they are sending is: ‘don’t you dare to give Ukraine additional air defence systems, because you might need them yourself.’”
Trump’s UK State Visit
The former U.S. president arrived in Britain on Monday for his second state visit, hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle.
Mr Trump and First Lady Melania are being treated to a Red Arrows flypast, alongside F-35 jets from the UK and the U.S.
They will also attend a Beating Retreat ceremony on Windsor’s east lawn before visiting Chequers, the prime minister’s official residence.
It is unclear if discussions on Ukraine will form part of the agenda.
