Azernews.Az

Elnur Enveroglu

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Following weeks of mounting tension, Ukraine has managed to secure a level of U.S. support that, while falling short of full satisfaction, offers enough to prevent total defeat at the hands of Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks at a recent press conference, along with his messages to U.S. President Donald Trump were particularly noteworthy.

"We Owe Nothing to Anyone"

President Zelensky expressed clear resistance to President Donald Trump’s intentions of seizing $500 billion in mineral resources from Ukrainian territory. Zelensky did not view this proposal favorably, instead emphasizing that Ukraine's role in the war was not only to defend its own sovereignty but also to uphold the honor of the West. In a strong declaration, he made it clear that Ukraine owes nothing to the United States.

▪️ Ukraine received $100 billion in aid from the US, not $350 billion. 120 billion — Ukraine, 100 billion — Europe and partners, 100 billion — the US. Not 500, not 300, and not 700.

▪️ With all due respect to our partners, we do not recognize a debt of $500 billion.

▪️ I agreed with Biden that this US aid is a grant. A grant is not a debt. I do not even recognize $100 billion.

▪️ I do not sign something that will be paid by 10 generations of Ukrainians.

▪️ Yermak is currently communicating with American partners. There are no more $500 billion and no interest. We are moving forward.

"Peace or Nothing"

Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine would continue to fight until peace is achieved, signaling that he would not lose hope in Western partnership regardless of who occupies the White House in the next four years. While he refrains from blaming the U.S. for Trump’s comments or for labeling him a dictator, Zelensky’s stance remains one of resilience. Despite facing immense challenges, he continues to hold on to his belief in lasting peace.

▪️ Trump is not forever, and we need peace for many years.

▪️ Strategic partners must be willing to sign agreements, and I want our agreement with the United States to be scandal-free. According to the president, security guarantees must be spelled out in the agreement, not just in words.

▪️ US aid to Ukraine has not been suspended, but no new aid has been announced either. In order for there to be something new, the United States wants to understand how Ukraine will give it back. We are ready to discuss the format - what we will receive and how we will give it back in this agreement.

▪️ I am not offended by Trump for calling me a dictator. Only those who are dictators are offended by a dictator.

▪️ The presidential elections in Ukraine will be held after martial law is lifted.

▪️ The frozen Russian assets are our money. Ours, not ours and our partners'.

▪️ Trump is seeking to end the hot phase of the war in 2025. This is their goal.

Ukraine Prioritizes Self-Reliance

Having learned from the consequences of placing too much trust in the West, Zelensky now understands that a stronger military arsenal is non-negotiable for Ukraine's future. In the face of an aggressive neighbor like Russia, any hopes for peace have been seen as futile—an impossible dream, like searching for a needle in a haystack. His focus has now shifted. Rather than relying on the U.S. or European leaders as he did in the past, Ukraine’s priority is to strengthen its own military capabilities. Ensuring access to the necessary weapons and technology to bolster this potential is now at the forefront of Zelensky's agenda.

▪️ Last year, Ukraine produced 2.2 million FPVs and 100,000 long-range drones. This year, even more will be produced. Also, in 2024, Ukraine produced 154 artillery units, which is a record. At the same time, the country needs another 20 Patriot systems.

▪️ It would be wrong to disconnect us from Starlink. Thousands of systems are hospitals, kindergartens, and schools. It will be difficult there without Starlink, this is a humanitarian challenge for us. But we pay money for this, thanks to our partners, Poland and Germany pay for this. This is not a free technology, we pay rent every month.