Concrete outcomes after Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump, Interview
1. Security 2. Trump called Putin. Russia proposed: 1) Ukraine–Russia next 2) Trilateral 3. Return of children — thanks that Melania is on our side 4. “All for all” exchange — Trump will personally help 1/
Zelenskyy: Ukraine is ready for any formats, without preconditions. We want the war to end, not just pause.
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Zelenskyy: This was the first opportunity to talk to Trump about such things.
We showed: in 1000 days the Russian army captured less than 1%.
For us the focus is on truth and reality — this shows the balance of strength between Russia and Ukraine.
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Security guarantees:
1. Europe finances military production, we pay our soldiers ourselves.
2. US weapons package worth $90 billion — it will include everything we consider necessary: aircraft, air defense.
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3. Our own weapons production. The US will buy Ukrainian drones and engage in co-production.
4. Defined forces that will act in case of renewed aggression.
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Zelenskyy: Details on security guarantees will be put on paper in 7–10 days.
There were no decisions unacceptable to Ukraine.
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Q: Will there be American or European troops in Ukraine?
Zelenskyy: It’s about the “coalition of the willing” — 30 countries. Some will lead intelligence, some naval security, some air defense.
Some have constitutional limits. Some will provide funding.
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Q: How important were the Europeans, and how did you gather them so quickly?
Zelenskyy: They respect Ukraine and our people. We have good personal relations. I have deep respect and gratitude to them for coming together and arriving here so quickly. Ukraine is not alone.
Lavrov: We see a clearer understanding in the U.S. that the roots of the crisis must be addressed, rather than repeating slogans about an immediate ceasefire while pumping Ukraine with weapons, as Macron proposed. 1/
Lavrov: It’s good that these absolutely reckless and confrontational positions in favor of prolonging the war find no support in the current U.S. administration.
Which seeks to get to the essence of the problem and eliminate the root causes. 2/
Lavrov: As for reports that the UK, France, and Germany want to develop collective security guarantees — we support such guarantees if they are truly reliable.
A good example is the Ukrainian initiative in Istanbul in April 2022. 3/
During negotiations, he misrepresented what he heard from the Kremlin and confused the names of Ukrainian cities. 1/
Just read what Witkoff says:
Kyiv “discriminates” against Russian-speakers in eastern Ukraine, ignoring that hundreds of thousands fled westward into democratic Ukraine rather than staying in occupied areas. 2/
In an interview with Tucker, Witkoff claimed Moscow’s occupation was legitimized by “referendums” where a supposed majority voted for Russian rule. 3/
Bessent: Russian economy imbalanced — 20%+ inflation, 25% of GDP from military buildup. Frozen assets used to finance war.
U.S. will raise secondary tariffs on India for Russian oil. Economics must pressure Putin to end war.
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Q: India and China oil imports?
Bessent: China imported 13% of oil from Russia pre-2022, now 16% — diversified supply.
India had <1% pre-war, now 42%. Indian firms profiteered, making $16B reselling cheap Russian oil.
This wartime arbitrage is unacceptable. 2/
Q: Did European tariff negotiations affect Ukraine talks?
Bessent: Yes. Successful EU tariff deal in Scotland weeks ago cleared ground. Meeting with Zelensky and EU leaders at WH showed unity on conflict resolution.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine will hold elections after the war.
Express: Britain will help organize them: 1. including refugee voting abroad 2. countering disinformation 3. likely financing the process.
UK and Ukraine electoral commissions signed a pact. 1/
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s 2022 invasion. No elections for over 3 years.
Ukrainian Electoral Commission: the pact will strengthen cooperation, bring best practices, and prepare for “the most challenging elections in our country’s history.”
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Zelenskyy won in 2019 with a landslide. Re-election was due in 2024 but suspended by war.
Express writes that his approval rating now ~67% — among the highest for European leaders.
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