Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential support for Ukraine, calling it a major threat to Moscow’s war efforts.
Speaking through a translator during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday, Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s recent warning to Putin, where he urged Russia to negotiate peace or face harsh economic repercussions.
“This is exactly what Putin is afraid of. He doesn’t want a strong Trump supporting Ukraine because it would mean a strong Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
Last week, Trump issued a direct message to Putin via his social media platform, Truth Social, urging an end to the war and threatening severe economic sanctions.
“Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous war! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don’t make a ‘deal’ soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States and various other participating countries,” Trump wrote.
Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine remains determined to achieve a “fair” resolution, they want to minimize further casualties.
“We are not afraid. Russia is not that strong, but we don’t want to lose more of our men and women,” he added.
As the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its third year, thousands of lives have been lost, and global powers continue to debate diplomatic solutions. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, recently welcomed Trump’s stance, stating at the World Economic Forum in Davos, “We do really welcome such strong messages from President Trump.”
The geopolitical tension remains high, with analysts questioning whether Trump’s warning will influence Putin’s next move or escalate economic warfare between Russia and the West.
