Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on US President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky stressed the need for stronger action, comparing Russia to Hamas and highlighting the scale of the ongoing war. “Putin is something similar, but stronger than Hamas,” Zelensky said, speaking to NBC News. “The war is bigger and Russia’s army is the second largest in the world, and therefore more pressure is needed.” Zelensky added that he was willing to join the upcoming Budapest summit, underscoring Ukraine’s central role in any peace talks. “If we really want just and lasting peace, we need both sides of this tragedy,” he said. “How can there be some transactions without us about us?” Tomahawk missiles and US support Zelensky hoped the US would provide long-range Tomahawk missiles, which can strike deep inside Russia. While Trump did not commit, Zelensky noted that he was encouraged that the president had not completely rejected the idea. “It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, he didn’t say ‘yes,'” Zelenskyy said. Putin warned that the supply of such missiles would be a “qualitatively new stage of escalation”. Zelensky claimed that the Russian leader fears their delivery. “He [Putin] are really afraid we will use it,” Zelensky said. Trump’s Budapest summit Trump announced after his phone call with Putin that he would meet the Russian president in Budapest, Hungary, for a second round of in-person talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Zelensky confirmed his willingness to participate: “I’m ready,” he said. Escalation in Ukraine confirmed the Russian accidental attacks by Zelensky’s visit. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts. He claimed that Russia was escalating airstrikes because of its weak position on the battlefield. “We are not losing this war, and Putin is not winning,” Zelensky said. “That’s why he really airstrikes escalating … He wants an energy disaster this winter by attacking us.” Position on territory and peace talks Zelensky ruled out giving up more territory to Russia, stating that peace talks should take place under calm conditions, not during continuous attacks. “If we want to stop this war and urgently and diplomatically go to peace talks, we have to stay where we are, not for something additional Putin,” he said. “Peace talks must take place in silence. Not under missiles, not under drones.” Asked if Trump could help end the war, Zelensky expressed optimism: “God bless, yes.”
Zelensky urges Trump to take tougher stance against Putin, says ready to join Trump-Putin talks in Budapest
