Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the United States to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. He warned that, without US involvement, NATO could become weaker, leading to increased aggression from the Kremlin toward Europe.
NATO’s Role Under Threat
In an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, published on Sunday, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of the US remaining in NATO to maintain stability in Europe. He explained, “If it does (quit the alliance), Putin will destroy Europe,” indicating the severe consequences of a reduced NATO presence.
Plans to Meet Trump
Furthermore, Zelenskyy expressed hope to meet President-elect Donald Trump after his inauguration. He believes that direct discussions are essential to create a strategy to confront Russian aggression. As February marks three years since Russia’s invasion, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Trump’s return to the White House could potentially pave the way for a ceasefire agreement. However, he cautioned that such a deal could come at a significant cost.
US Support is Critical
Zelenskyy also pointed out that European nations cannot tackle Russia alone. He firmly stated, “Without the United States, security guarantees are not possible. These are the guarantees needed to prevent Russian aggression,” underlining the critical role of the US in global security.
Putin Rejects Negotiations
Additionally, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no interest in negotiating an end to the conflict. He called for greater international pressure on the Kremlin to agree to a truce, highlighting the need for united global efforts to resolve the crisis.
In conclusion, Zelenskyy’s remarks reflect the urgency of US involvement in securing Ukraine’s safety and the necessity of pressuring Russia to halt its aggression.
