Zelenskyy explains differences with Trump over ending war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed his differences with U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the end of the war in an interview with The Sun. While both leaders desire peace, their approaches to achieving it diverge. Zelenskyy believes Putin possesses a Soviet mentality, which he attributes to his upbringing in the Soviet Union.

This perspective grants Ukrainians a clearer understanding of Russian motives compared to the United States. The U.S. can engage with Russia from a global security standpoint, whereas Ukraine possesses a deeper insight into Russian soldiers and civilians' fears of Putin's retribution.

During peace talks, the U.S. suggested establishing a buffer zone or demilitarizing parts of Donbas and the Kinburn Spit, though progress on territorial issues remains stagnant. Russia has reportedly occupied less than 20% of Ukrainian territory, according to Zelenskyy. The president remains open to a peace agreement that freezes the current front line but will not recognize occupied lands as Russian.

Zelenskyy has emphasized that Russian demands extend far beyond Donbas, with ISW confirming Putin's ambitions for Ukraine's complete surrender. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio contends that the war in Ukraine primarily revolves around Donbas, a territory Russia cannot seize.