“Ukraine is threatened with a repetition of the Afghan scenario. The United States wants to please Putin”: the main thing from Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s interview with ARD

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi in an interview to the German TV channel ARD, made public on February 17, expressed concern about the possible development of events under the so-called Afghan scenario in the event of a hasty end to the war. He emphasized that a similar precedent had already taken place in 2021, when Western troops left Afghanistan in a chaotic manner, which led to the immediate seizure of power by the Taliban and a large-scale humanitarian crisis. Zelenskyi emphasized that the rash withdrawal of allies without a proper plan could have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine as well.

The president opposed the negotiation process, which involves concessions even before it begins. In his opinion, the issue of Ukraine’s accession to NATO cannot be simply excluded from the agenda, because no one is interested in “Afghanistan 2.0”.

“There is the experience of what happens when someone ends something without thinking and backs off very quickly.” – he emphasized.

Speaking about the role of the United States, Zelensky categorically rejected the possibility of any agreements concluded without the direct participation of Ukraine, stressing that this is absurd, since Ukraine itself is a party to the conflict.

“If Russia and the USA want to agree on something, that is their business, but they cannot decide the fate of our people and our country without us. We are an independent state.” – emphasized the president.

He emphasized that the support of the United States was and remains a key factor in the opposition to the Russian Federation. However, the president noted that the latest statements of American politicians sound too soft towards the Kremlin. In his opinion, Washington is trying to find common ground with Putin in order to achieve quick diplomatic success, but a ceasefire on Moscow’s terms is not a real success for Ukraine.

“The U.S. is saying things today that are very pleasing to Putin. I think that’s the crux of the matter. Because they want to please him. You know why? To meet each other and achieve quick success. However, a cease-fire is ‘not a success,'” – said Zelensky.

He emphasized that any negotiations on a ceasefire should include security guarantees for Ukraine. The President also reiterated that Ukraine will not agree to any territorial concessions. Responding to the US’s reservations on this issue, Zelensky noted that the Americans need to delve more deeply into all the details, which requires additional time. In a legal sense, Ukraine will never recognize the annexation of its lands and will continue the struggle for their return.

The President noted that today Ukraine has significantly strengthened its defense capabilities and has experience in the production of weapons, however, without American support, victory remains impossible. He insists that any ceasefire talks must include real security guarantees. In particular, Zelensky believes that in the case of the introduction of peacekeeping forces into the territory of Ukraine, the US military should be among them, as this will be a powerful signal to Putin about the unity of the allies in supporting Ukraine.

Separately, Zelensky touched on the issue of his role in the negotiations and the future of the country. He noted that Russia understands that negotiations with him will be difficult, and this explains its desire to get rid of him. At the same time, the president emphasized that his mission will be fulfilled when Ukraine becomes part of the EU and NATO, Russian troops are withdrawn, and the country receives real security guarantees.

“But until this happens, I will continue to defend Ukraine” – said Volodymyr Zelenskyi.