Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that it is easier for him to negotiate with US President Donald Trump than with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He said this on October 16, responding to a question from a Euronews correspondent during a press conference at the European Union summit in Brussels.
Zelenskyy reacted to recent criticism from Trump, who claimed that the Ukrainian president was more difficult to deal with than Putin. Relations between Washington and Kyiv have been strained over the past week.
"With him, of course, it's easier than with Putin. I'm talking about Trump," Zelenskyy stated.
According to him, during several meetings with the American president, they always managed to find topics for discussion and make decisions.
Tensions between Ukraine and the US intensified due to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and Trump's decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel fuel. The American president criticized the attacks on Russian oil refineries, stating that they contribute to rising global fuel prices.
Zelenskyy emphasized that protecting Ukraine's national interests remains his top priority, regardless of external pressure. He recalled that Russia attacked Ukraine, occupied its territories, and killed Ukrainian citizens.
"It is logical that we have the right to self-defense," said the Ukrainian president.
He called Ukraine's actions completely legal and stated that the country would continue to defend itself to the end.
Zelenskyy did not openly answer the question of whether European leaders support further strikes on Russian oil refineries. Instead, he once again emphasized Ukraine's right to self-defense.
The Ukrainian president stated that Kyiv is still ready to end the war through negotiations, but, according to him, Putin is not showing genuine interest in a peace agreement.
"Putin does not want negotiations in any format right now," Zelenskyy said.
He called Moscow's statements about seeking to end the war a parody of a true desire to achieve peace. According to the Ukrainian leader, even Donbas is not enough for Putin, as he is not interested in ending the war.
Zelenskyy also warned that easing restrictions on Russian diesel fuel could be the start of further concessions to Moscow and weaken Western efforts aimed at limiting the financing of Russia's war against Ukraine.
"In my opinion, we cannot agree to these 'diesel deals,' these agreements, because gas deals will follow. I am absolutely sure of this. And after gas, they will start lifting sanctions in other areas," he stated.
According to Zelenskyy, further easing of restrictions could affect the banking system, individuals, and the chemical industry.
The fate of frozen Russian assets causes particular concern for the Ukrainian president. He suggested that they too could be at risk if Western countries continue to accommodate Moscow.
"If I don't stand up for this, who will do it for us? I mean through diplomatic methods," Zelenskyy said.
European leaders, for their part, seek to maintain pressure on Russia, despite Washington's decision to ease some sanctions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Friday that the European Union will not lift restrictions until Russia stops the war. European Council President António Costa also called for increasing pressure on Moscow, rather than making new concessions.
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