President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Kremlin leader vladimir putin is demonstrating his alleged readiness for negotiations with Ukraine only for the sake of lifting or preventing new sanctions, as well as in order to leave Kyiv without the support of Western partners.
He said this in an interview with the German publication Bild.
According to Zelenskyy, Moscow is trying to create the impression of a diplomatic dialogue between russia and Ukraine, primarily for the American audience.
"So that sanctions are not imposed against russia (while negotiations are ongoing. Because putin can always say): 'We are talking to each other! If sanctions are imposed, there will be no more negotiations,'" the President explained.
Also, according to him, the russian authorities are trying to impose a negotiation format in which there is no place for the United States and Europe: "A long war without the support of partners would be an ideal option for putin. He will not withstand a long war with partners and sanctions," Zelenskyy added.
The President believes that US leader Donald Trump already sees the Kremlin's insincerity: "Russia is simply lying to Trump." At the same time, Zelenskyy noted that he is calm about Trump's criticism: "I will take it normally if it brings Ukraine closer to the end of the war."
He also emphasized: "In my opinion, putin understands nothing but force. And America has this force. And I really hope that America sees and understands this."
Commenting on the sanctions policy, Zelenskyy said that the restrictions were introduced too slowly, which gave putin time to adapt, in particular in the economy and defense sectors.
"Putin feels that his economy is suffering now. But he wants to buy more time before tough sanctions are imposed, because he can hold out for a while longer," the head of state warned. Zelenskyy also stressed the value of supporting Ukraine: "People are not firewood that we throw into the fire. We do not treat our people the way the russians do."
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