Zelenskyy slams U.S. for ‘pleasing’ Putin, warns of weak Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the United States of trying to “please” Moscow in its latest talks on Ukraine, warning that Europe’s military capabilities remain dangerously weak.

Zelensky: U.S. Giving Putin What He Wants

In an interview broadcast Monday, Zelensky reacted strongly to conciliatory statements from U.S. officials regarding Russia. “The U.S. is now saying things that are very favorable to Putin… because they want to please him,” he said, according to a translation by broadcaster ARD.

“They want a quick meeting and a quick win. But just a ceasefire is not a victory,” Zelensky insisted, emphasizing that Ukraine would not accept a deal that compromised its sovereignty.

Trump’s Shocking Move: Direct Talks with Putin

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump stunned allies by revealing he had spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about rapidly ending the war. In another blow to Ukraine, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to rule out both NATO membership for Kyiv and the recapture of territories lost since 2014.

Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine would not sign any agreement simply for political optics, declaring, “We will reclaim it all.”

Europe’s Military Weakness Exposed

During the interview recorded at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky warned that Europe’s defense capabilities remain inadequate. “Readiness has improved, but in terms of combat troops, fleet strength, air force, and drones… Europe is weak today,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of U.S. support, warning, “There will be no Ukrainian victory without America.”

Foreign Troops to Police a Ceasefire?

Zelensky revealed that he discussed the potential deployment of foreign troops with Trump, suggesting American forces should be involved in securing any ceasefire to maintain international unity. However, Hegseth dismissed the idea of U.S. troop involvement in Ukraine during a recent meeting in Brussels.

‘For Peace, I Am Prepared to Do Anything’

When asked if he would step down as president if it meant securing a lasting peace, Zelensky responded, “If tomorrow Ukraine were accepted into the EU and NATO, if Russian troops withdrew and we got security guarantees, I wouldn’t be needed anymore.”

With pressure mounting and diplomatic tensions high, Ukraine faces a critical moment in its fight for sovereignty—and its place in the global order.