Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently shared his thoughts in an interview with Sky News, touching on several pressing issues regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia and its implications for NATO. He expressed concern that Russia might attack a NATO member within the next five years, suggesting that the alliance’s current defense spending plans are too slow to respond to this threat.
Zelenskyy highlighted that by 2030, Russian President Vladimir Putin could have improved military capabilities. He emphasized that Ukraine is currently holding back Russian advances, but time is running out. While he acknowledged that Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations are not feasible at the moment, he stressed that NATO needs Ukraine in the long run.
In the context of shifting global attention, Zelenskyy noted that support from the United States may decline as the focus shifts to other conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. He warned that this could lead to increased Russian attacks on Ukraine, especially as they gain advantages on the battlefield through support from allies like Iran.
Zelenskyy also expressed skepticism about the relationship between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that while they may cooperate temporarily, they would never truly be allies. He reflected on his own interactions with Trump, saying he hoped for a strong partnership with the U.S. and felt frustrated by distractions that detracted from the war effort.
On the topic of peace talks, Zelenskyy indicated his willingness to negotiate to see if any real compromises could be made. However, he was cautious about ceding any territory, particularly the four regions Russia has annexed. He believes Putin’s ambitions extend beyond these areas, aiming for a broader occupation of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy urged for continued pressure on Putin through political sanctions and military support, including long-range weapons, to bring him to the negotiating table. He also discussed the importance of limiting Russia’s access to technology for military use, highlighting that components from countries like the UK are still being utilized in Russian missiles and drones.
In summary, Zelenskyy’s interview underscored the urgency of Ukraine’s situation and the need for robust international support as the conflict continues to evolve.