‘The pressure is not on Russia, but on us…’, Zelensky raised questions on Trump’s strategy

New Delhi:Amid the ongoing long war between Ukraine and Russia, tension is now clearly visible on the diplomatic front. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused US President Donald Trump of putting undue pressure on Ukraine in the name of peace talks. He says balance is necessary in negotiations, but recent comments seem to demand more concessions from Ukraine.

In an interview with American website Axios, Zelensky said that it is not fair to publicly expect only Ukraine to agree to the terms of the peace plan, while Russia does not appear to be under similar pressure. He expressed hope that this could be Trump’s strategy, and not a final decision. Zelensky says he appreciates peace efforts, but any solution cannot compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Issue of referendum on Donbass region

Zelensky also took a clear stance regarding the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine. He says that if a proposal to leave the part not occupied by Russia is put in a referendum, the people of Ukraine will not accept it. He said that it is not just a question of land, but an issue of identity of the citizens living there and the country. According to Zelensky, people will never accept it emotionally nor will they forgive such a concession.

Trump gave statement

Recently Trump had given a statement that Ukraine should come to the negotiating table as soon as possible. He indicated that it is Ukraine’s responsibility to take steps for the success of the talks. However, Zelensky also said that his talks with American negotiators have been respectful and there was no direct pressure.

He says that he is not a leader who easily comes under pressure. Zelensky suggested that if the agreement included maintaining the status quo on the existing line of contact, the Ukrainian public would likely support it. He believes that public consent is necessary for any permanent solution.