Zelenskyy Stresses Need for U.S. Security Guarantees in Ukraine's Conflict with Russia

During a recent interview with U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial role that security guarantees from the United States play in bringing an end to the war initiated by Russia. With Donald Trump set to assume the presidency again on January 20, Zelenskyy shared his aspirations for a meeting shortly after the inauguration and expressed confidence that Trump could influence Moscow to cease its military actions.

Zelenskyy raised concerns that if the U.S. were to withdraw from NATO, it would lead to increased Russian aggression throughout Europe. As the war drags on nearly three years after Russia's initial invasion, the prospect of Trump's return brings both optimism for diplomatic engagement and worries that a rapid resolution could undermine Ukraine's interests. Throughout the extensive interview, he reiterated Ukraine's desire to join NATO, stating that a ceasefire lacking solid security guarantees would simply allow Russia the opportunity to regroup and launch new offensives.

He firmly believes that the involvement of the White House is pivotal in establishing such security measures and claimed a shared understanding with Trump regarding the necessity of achieving peace through strength. Zelenskyy asserted that without U.S. involvement, it would be impossible to create meaningful security guarantees capable of countering Russian threats, implicitly acknowledging the limitations of support from Ukraine's European allies.