Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a blistering condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, branding him a “killer” and a “terrorist” in a stark interview with Sky News. Zelenskyy’s forceful remarks underscore his unwavering resolve in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and highlight his deep concerns about the strategies Putin employs to exploit divisions within Europe.
Zelenskyy accused Putin of deliberately fostering discord among European nations, employing manipulative tactics to weaken the collective strength of the West. He painted a picture of Putin as a predator, actively seeking out vulnerabilities: “Putin fuels division within Europe like an animal,” Zelenskyy stated. He argued that Putin understands that fear amongst world leaders leads to fragmented communication and weakened unity, and he exploits this weakness for his own gain. The Ukrainian President’s pointed use of the word “animal” vividly conveys his assessment of Putin’s calculated aggression and predatory behavior.
The Ukrainian leader also directed sharp criticism towards German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his recent direct talks with Putin. While Scholz cited a desire to understand Putin’s thinking, Zelenskyy expressed his strong disapproval. He warned that such engagements risk setting a dangerous precedent: “It wasn’t a surprise to me as he said he wants to speak and to understand what Putin is thinking about, but I said I cannot support this as it opens this new page – this Pandora’s box,” Zelenskyy explained. He cautioned that such meetings could encourage other leaders to seek similar photo opportunities with Putin, creating a false sense that the Russian leader can be managed or appeased. This, Zelenskyy warned, would be a dangerous miscalculation.
Zelenskyy firmly emphasized that any peace negotiations with Russia must occur only when Ukraine is in a position of strength, if not outright superiority, to Moscow. He made it unequivocally clear that Kyiv needs to be at least on equal footing with Moscow, calling this the “minimum” requirement for meaningful talks. This assertion reflects Ukraine’s determination to secure its own future and negotiate from a position of strength, rejecting any possibility of capitulation.
The Ukrainian President further underscored the importance of unity in any future negotiations. He insisted on a unified Ukrainian voice to ensure that they are not subjected to Russian ultimatums. “We cannot give him the chance to give us an ultimatum,” Zelenskyy declared. His powerful statement, calling Putin a “killer” and a “terrorist,” leaves no room for ambiguity regarding his assessment of the Russian leader and the threat he represents.
When questioned about the immense human cost of the war and whether the sacrifices made were in vain, Zelenskyy delivered a powerful message of resilience and determination. He resolutely stated that the Ukrainian people have not sacrificed their lives for nothing, emphasizing that their ultimate sacrifice was made to secure the future for their children and grandchildren. Despite acknowledging the profound losses, Zelenskyy insisted that those who have fallen have already won. Their sacrifice, he argued, has prevented Putin from completely conquering Ukraine. “They have already won,” he stated, adding that without their sacrifice, “Mr. Putin would have conquered the whole of Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy concluded by reflecting on the war’s personal impact, acknowledging the profound losses while highlighting a newfound sense of national identity and unity. “We’ve lost a lot, but we’ve found more, we’ve found ourselves,” he said. This poignant observation captures the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their unwavering determination to resist Russian aggression. The war, Zelenskyy concluded, has provided Ukraine with a clearer understanding of its own identity and the true nature of its adversary. His final words, “We know who we are 100% and who Russians are 100%,” resonate with strength and resolve in the face of adversity.
