Zelensky on his relationship with Trump: “I don't play games with him”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump in an interview with ABC News. He stated that Ukraine is prepared to end the war as soon as possible by freezing hostilities along the current front line. However, he expressed regret over the lack of U.S. aid, saying, "I feel what I feel. This is not support."

Zelensky acknowledged that he does not know why relations between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have warmed, emphasizing that Trump's decision to maintain a personal relationship with Putin is his own choice. He noted that the two leaders have "quite good relations."

Despite Ukraine receiving only 24 interceptor missiles for its Patriot systems from the U.S. in the past three months, Zelensky stressed that his country needs an average of 350 Patriot interceptors per month. He also reported that over 30 ballistic missiles were fired at Kyiv alone on Thursday evening.

Zelensky emphasized his gratitude towards the U.S. for its partnership in countering Russian aggression and acknowledged that he sometimes behaves "not politely" to firmly defend the country's interests. He expressed his honesty and directness in his relationship with Trump, emphasizing that he does not play games with him, unlike his relationship with Putin.