Kyiv [Ukraine], November 16 (ANI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism that US President-elect Donald Trump‘s administration could expedite the resolution of the ongoing war with Russia, Anadolu reported.
Zelenskyy made the remarks during an interview with public broadcaster Suspilne, where he reflected on US–Ukraine relations and past discussions with Trump regarding the conflict, which began in 2022.
Zelenskyy emphasised the alignment of Ukraine‘s position with Trump, stating, “He (Trump) has heard the basis on which we stand. I have not heard anything against our position.”
Addressing whether Trump had urged Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, Zelenskyy clarified, “We are an independent country. And we, during this war, both our people and I, personally, are in negotiations with the United States, with both Trump and Biden, and with European leaders, proved that the ‘sit and listen’ rhetoric doesn’t work with us.”
The Ukrainian leader shared his belief that the conflict could end sooner under Trump‘s leadership, citing the administration’s pledge to prioritise swift resolution, reported Anadolu.
“It is very important for us to have a just peace, so that we do not feel that we have lost our best people because of the injustice that has been imposed on us. The war will end, but there is no exact date. Certainly, with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House, the war will end sooner. This is their approach, their pledge to their public, and it is also very important to them,” he added.
Trump, who recently defeated Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election, has previously stated his ability to resolve the conflict in one day, though his stance on continued US support to Kyiv has been inconsistent, Anadolu reported.
Zelenskyy‘s remarks signal cautious optimism about the potential for renewed US engagement in securing peace in the region under the incoming administration. (ANI)
Russia slams Biden’s decision allowing Ukraine to strike Russia, terms it “new round of escalation”
Moscow [Russia], November 18 (ANI): Russia has strongly condemned outgoing US President Joe Biden‘s decision allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia using long-range missles, calling it a siginificant ‘escalation’ and a clear involvement of the United States in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov termed it as “qualitatively new round of escalation” of tensions and a “qualitatively new situation” in terms of the involvement of the United States in this conflict, as reported by TASS.
“If such a decision has indeed been formulated and communicated to the Kyiv regime, then, of course, this is a qualitatively new round of escalation of tensions and a qualitatively new situation in terms of the involvement of the United States in this conflict. We are proceeding from this,” Peskov said.
“These signals have been received by the collective West. And they were voiced by the president in St. Petersburg,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, outgoing President Biden authorised the use of long-range missiles by Kyiv to target the deepest part of Russia.
The missiles could be used in the Kursk region of western Russia to defend Ukrainian forces against Russian and North Korean offensives, the New York Times reported citing US officials.
This comes days ahead of President-elect Donald Trump assuming charge in the White House. Notably, Trump has been critical of US’ support to Ukraine and has repeatedly called for bringing an end to the conflict.
