Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the United States and Kyiv's other Western allies to remain strong in countering Russia's demands ahead of a security summit in Paris.
European force in Ukraine could 'respond' if attacked by Russia, says French president
But the Ukrainian president said that Moscow’s influence on Washington was weakening U.S. pressure on Russia and bringing peace no closer in the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Zelenskyy, interviewed by a panel of European journalists in Paris on the eve of a meeting of European leaders, said he had agreed to proceed with ceasefire talks to ensure a resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence sharing.
However, Russia wants sanctions on its financial sector lifted before implementing a deal to pause the fighting on the Black Sea. Zelenskyy urged the U.S. not to give in.
“They are imposing conditions on sanctions to the American side. If America stands strong ... we are standing on our own land and are defending ourselves,” Zelenskyy said.
“We have shown our resilience. And now it is very important for our partners to be at least as resilient as we are, though they have more capabilities.”
Asked whether he believed the Americans would remain strong, he answered, in English: “I hope so. God bless they will.”
‘Coalition’ set to meet in Paris
Around 30 leaders from Europe and beyond will meet in Paris on Thursday to discuss how to strengthen military support, review ceasefire efforts and assess what role they could play if a peace deal is struck with Russia.
The third summit of what France has called the coalition of the “willing and able” brings together the likes of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.
“First and foremost [we will discuss] the immediate support for Ukraine. It must go on because it is necessary to continue the resistance,” French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Wednesday.
Macron committed to a further €2 billion in French military support to Ukraine. Zelenskyy said other partners could announce aid packages on Thursday.
U.S. ‘influenced by Kremlin narratives’
With Russia looking for sanctions to be lifted to go ahead with the limited ceasefire agreement, U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the U.S. government was “looking at” Moscow’s request.
However, the EU said on Wednesday it would not consider removing sanctions before the “unconditional” withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine's internationally-recognized territory, the BBC reported.
In his interview with top international publications, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for U.S. assistance in the war but said Washington had become “influenced” by Russian views of the conflict.
“We cannot agree with these narratives. We are fighting for ourselves and we will fight against these narratives wherever they appear because there is simply no other way,” he said.
He said the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, “often repeats Kremlin narratives,” referring to Witkoff's favorable statements about President Vladimir Putin's intentions and justification for Russian policies.
“I don't think this brings us any closer to peace. Unfortunately, I believe it only weakens the pressure from the Americas on Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
“I have spoken with President Trump many times and we are working at the intelligence level to exchange real, truthful information. Because Witkoff's statements are a major obstacle for us.”
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and now controls about 113,000 sq km, or about 20%, of Ukraine, with fighting along a 1,000 km (621 mile) frontline.
