Zelensky Urges US To Resist Russian Pressure Amid Ceasefire Conditions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that the United States will “stand strong” against Russian demands to lift sanctions as a condition for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.
Speaking during a panel interview in Paris, Zelensky responded to questions about Moscow’s insistence that a maritime truce – announced on Tuesday to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels – would only take effect once Western restrictions on Russia’s food and fertiliser trade were lifted. “I hope so. God bless, they will. But we’ll see,” he said when asked whether the US would resist Russian pressure.
The White House confirmed that Russian and Ukrainian delegations had agreed to a ceasefire following talks in Saudi Arabia. However, shortly afterwards, the Kremlin issued a list of conditions, including the removal of sanctions on financial institutions involved in agricultural trade and the restoration of their access to the Swift international payment system.
While former US President Donald Trump said the US was “looking at” Moscow’s demands, the European Union firmly rejected the notion of lifting sanctions before Russia’s “unconditional” withdrawal from Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory.
Zelensky’s Concerns Over US Support
Zelensky, acknowledging bipartisan support from Washington, warned that some US officials appeared to be “under the influence of Russian narratives.” He urged leaders not to accept those narratives, adding, “We can’t agree to them.”
When asked about Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky said he was uncertain. “I don’t know – it’s difficult for me to say,” he remarked.
He also dismissed comments made by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, who recently criticised Europe’s efforts to form a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine. In response, Zelensky pointed out Witkoff’s background in property development, stating, “As far as I know, he knows very well how to buy and sell real estate, but that’s somewhat different.”
France Strengthens Military Support
Zelensky’s visit to Paris included a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced a €2 billion (£1.6 billion) military aid package for Ukraine. Macron firmly rejected Russia’s demand to lift sanctions, stating, “Moscow cannot dictate the conditions for peace.”
His trip comes as European leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, prepare to discuss further support for Ukraine at a summit in Paris.
Starmer is expected to criticise Putin for “playing games” over the Black Sea ceasefire, insisting that “Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend Ukraine’s future.”
With uncertainty over continued American support, European nations are moving to take greater responsibility in aiding Ukraine’s defence. Zelensky’s challenge now is to secure firm financial commitments rather than just expressions of solidarity.
