Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is deceiving Donald Trump and warned that the US president’s response to those lies could determine the future of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

In an interview published by Politico on 12 June, Zelenskyy stated:

“Russia is simply lying to Trump,” he said, adding that “most heads of state and government share my opinion,” expressing hope that the US understands the extent of Russian disinformation.

Zelenskyy said the leverage to end the war rests with Trump, noting that “Putin understands nothing but strength, and America has that strength.” He also emphasized that the effectiveness of sanctions and the speed of decision-making “depends on” Trump.

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Ongoing war, weak peace efforts, lack of sanctions

Recent low-level Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul have made little progress, while Russia continues its escalated attacks on Ukraine. Zelenskyy said Trump expressed doubts about Moscow’s sincerity after a recent phone call with Putin. Trump bizarrely compared Russia and Ukraine to two squabbling children and said the deadline for more sanctions exists “in his brain.”

When asked if Trump’s opinions shift depending on whom he speaks with, Zelenskyy answered, “I don’t know,” but reiterated: “Russia is not sincere.”

Zelenskyy said Russia’s ongoing offensive is “not very successful,” adding that the Kremlin has failed to achieve its goals. He claimed Moscow is trying to buy time while its economy suffers. He believes stronger sanctions could further deplete Russia’s military capabilities and reduce attacks on Ukraine.

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Western support critical to Ukraine’s survival

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s survival hinges on continued support from Western nations. He warned that an American withdrawal would be “a perfect scenario” for Putin and could hand victory to Russia.

Zelenskyy acknowledged personal doubt, referencing Winston Churchill’s struggles during World War II.

“I have no fewer doubts than anyone else in Ukraine. But the difference is that I am the president,” he said. “So until the end of the war, I will never show any moments of weakness. And I will never share my dark days with anyone.”

Putin “gives the finger” to the entire world, Zelenskyy says after Trump’s call with Russian president

US President Donald Trump suggested that allowing Russia and Ukraine to continue fighting might be preferable for him for the time being, as he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on 5 June at the White House, RFE/RL reported. The statement came just hours before hundreds of Russian drones and missiles struck residential areas in Kyiv, Ternopil, Lutsk, and other Ukrainian cities.

Trump signals retreat from his peace effort

According to Axios, Trump compared the ongoing war, in which Russia destroys multiple Ukrainian cities and keeps killing Ukrainian civilians, to a playground fight:

“Sometimes you see two young children fighting like crazy, they hate each other and they’re fighting in a park. Sometimes you’re better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart,” RFE/RL cited Trump as saying.

Trump said this analogy was something he shared with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call on 4 June. The US President described himself like “a hockey referee letting players fight for a bit before putting an end to it.”

Trump, per Axios, acknowledged that “bad blood” and deep “hatred” between the sides — especially between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — made it difficult to reach a ceasefire. He said that “a lot of animosity” existed between the two leaders, according to RFE/RL.

Trump refuses to commit on Russia sanctions

When asked three times whether he would back new sanctions on Russia or support the sanctions bill sponsored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump was non-committal, Axios reported.

He said he would discuss the matter with Merz but noted, per Axios,

“When I see the moment where it’s not gonna stop, we will be very tough, and it could be on both countries.” Trump added, “It takes two to tango.”

He also stated,

“If Russia is out of line, you will be amazed how tough [I’ll be].”

None of Trump’s earlier threats toward Russia have gone beyond rhetoric.

EU pushes for more sanctions

According to RFE/RL, Merz said he discussed sanctions with US senators and noted that the European Union is currently debating its 18th sanctions package since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. He predicted it would pass.