Relations with Trump, the situation on the battlefield and the new Russian attack: Zelensky's statements in an interview with The Guardian (video)

Speaking about the relationship with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyi rejected rumors in the media that the last meeting of the leaders in Washington was stormy and tense. The president denied that Trump "threw away the maps" of hostilities in October, when Zelenskyi arrived in the United States with the hope of obtaining Tomahawk-type missiles for Ukraine. "He didn't throw anything away. I'm sure of it," the president said.

He also added that he is "not afraid" of Trump, describing his relationship with him as "constructive" and "normal. " "Everyone in the world is afraid of Trump. And it's true - this is the United States, they are the leaders. But I'm not afraid. He was elected by the people - and that should be respected," Zelensky explained. Zelensky also admitted that King Charles III of Great Britain played an important behind-the-scenes role in encouraging the US president to provide more support to Ukraine.

"I don't know all the details, but I understand that His Majesty sent some important signals to President Trump," the Ukrainian president said. During the interview, President Zelensky said that he is actively working with international partners on additional protection of Ukraine from Russian attacks. However, for now, the allies exclude the possibility of sending aviation to protect the Ukrainian skies over the central and western parts of Ukraine.

In particular, Zelensky mentioned that he wants to order 27 Patriot air defense systems for the defense of Ukraine from American manufacturers. When asked by a journalist whether Great Britain and other allies are doing enough to protect Ukraine before the onset of winter, which promises to be difficult, Zelenskyy replied that "it will be enough when the war ends. " "It's never enough. It's enough when the war ends. And it's enough when Putin realizes that he has to stop," the president explained.

Regarding the issue of the European armed presence on the territory of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that this issue is being resolved "carefully". "The leaders are afraid of their societies. They don't want to interfere in the war," the president said. During the interview, Volodymyr Zelenskyi talked about the situation on the battlefield, in particular in Pokrovsk, where heavy battles are taking place.

Zelensky said that Moscow had thrown a huge force into the operation — "170,000 people" — and that the fiercest and fiercest fighting was in Donetsk region, which remains Putin's goal to capture. "That's the whole story. There are no (Russian — ed. ) successes. And many victims," ​​the president explained. According to Zelensky, the Kremlin lost 25,000 soldiers killed and wounded in October, a record number.

At the same time, the Ukrainian leader believes that Russia is testing NATO's "red lines" and waging a "hybrid war" against Europe. Zelensky noted that the Russian Federation may try to open a second front against a European country even before the end of the war in Ukraine. "I think so. He can do it. We should forget about the general European skepticism that Putin first wants to occupy Ukraine, and then he can go somewhere else. He can do both at the same time," the president explained.

Putin, according to the Ukrainian leader, found himself in a "dead end" on the battlefield. The Kremlin was unable to achieve its goals, so now it is forced to "demonstrate something" to its own people. "It seems to me that he (Putin — ed. ) is in an impasse regarding real successes on the battlefield. The situation is more like a stalemate for him. It is difficult for us, but we are at home and protecting our own.

And he has a different story — he radically adjusted his society, promised goals that he did not achieve. That is why he needs to show some assets," Zelenskyy said. Volodymyr Zelensky also explained during the interview that it is difficult for him in Ukraine because of the war. However, he emphasized that he wants to be here and help as much as possible to endure the struggle. "I just love Ukraine. I think people rely not only on logic.