Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his desire for increased support from former U.S. President Donald Trump in an interview with media outlets, including Anadolu Agency, prior to his departure from Esenboga Airport in Ankara on Tuesday evening.
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Zelensky stated: "I would like Trump to support us more. Republicans and many Democrats are supporting us, and I don’t want to lose that support." He emphasized that the decision for Washington to engage with Moscow is up to the U.S., noting, "We see that they (the Americans) are bringing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin out of political isolation, but that’s their decision, they are having talks with him."
He criticized Ukraine's exclusion from peace talks concerning the war, pointing out, "When it's said 'these are our plans to end the war,' that raises a lot of questions for us." Zelensky remarked that the recent U.S.-Russia talks, which took place in Saudi Arabia, did not involve Ukraine, causing further concern, especially as it coincided with his visit to Saudi Arabia. He made it clear, "I don’t want it to feel like a game, because it’s not a game. We don’t want to lose trust; it impacts the psychological and emotional state of Ukrainians. I don’t want our people to feel deceived."
Zelensky further added, "Where are we in this? Where do we sit at the negotiation table? This war is happening inside Ukraine. Putin is killing Ukrainians, not Americans. He’s not killing Europeans; Ukrainians are the ones dying."
He stressed that Ukraine should not be excluded from any discussions involving its future, asserting, "You can discuss whatever you want, but if matters concerning us are discussed without us, we will not accept that, and we have made this clear."
Zelensky also expressed his belief that the United States stands with Ukraine, stating, "I hope President Trump supports us more." Regarding Trump's promise to end the war, he affirmed that Ukraine wants that to happen, and Kyiv will continue closely monitoring developments.
He emphasized that Ukraine would be open to investments if its occupied territories were liberated and its natural resources protected. On the issue of the U.S. requesting rare minerals from Ukraine, Zelensky stated, "We don’t want to be a raw material hub for any continent. No friendship or partnership will influence this. It is enshrined in our Constitution, and as president, I don’t want to violate it. I will protect our land and interests."
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine seeks a fair, lasting, and sustainable peace and praised Turkey for hosting orphaned Ukrainian children. He also discussed the importance of international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in all circumstances.
Concerning NATO membership, Zelensky stated that 99% of European leaders support Ukraine's membership, but some countries, including Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and the U.S., have not yet shown full support. He stressed the need for security guarantees if NATO membership is not an option and highlighted Ukraine’s strong military but ongoing need for support in weapons and financing. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of economic guarantees and the necessity of joining a large market like the European Union.
Zelensky questioned the hesitation regarding deploying international forces in Ukraine, asking, "If everyone is confident that Putin will not return to war, why hesitate to deploy forces in Ukraine?" He expressed a commitment to achieving real security guarantees, not just words, and reiterated that Ukraine is willing to engage in such discussions.
Addressing concerns over Putin questioning his legitimacy as president, Zelensky pointed out that according to Ukraine’s Constitution, elections cannot be held during wartime, which means his presidency remains valid as long as the war continues.
Lastly, Zelensky discussed Ukraine's collaboration with Turkey in defense industries, highlighting cooperation with Turkish companies Baykar and Birkdar and Turkey’s construction of two frigates for Ukraine's naval forces. One of the frigates is completed, and the second will be ready by 2026.
