Volodymyr Zelenskyy on negotiations with Russia, Trump’s election, financial support, mobilization and readiness for winter
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi gave interview To the public on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Ukrainian Radio, in which he discussed current issues and challenges facing Ukraine today. In particular, he shared his thoughts on the expectations of Donald Trump’s possible policy if he becomes the president of the United States again, and told whether he feels pressure from the United States to negotiate with Russia. Zelenskyi answered questions about the mobilization and staffing of Ukrainian brigades and told how he sees the end of the war and possible negotiations with Putin. The president covered a wide range of topics, from ensuring the country’s connectivity and preparedness for new attacks this winter, to efforts at the international level to ensure economic stability and support from partners.
Provision of communication
On the occasion of the Day of Radio, Television and Communications Workers, Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised the question of how the full-scale invasion of Russia led to the destruction of 14 television and radio towers and broadcasting complexes, and told how Ukraine is ready for new challenges today. He emphasized that thanks to many innovations and cooperation of various institutions – the State Service of Special Communications, the private sector and broadcasters – it was possible to achieve a high level of communication stability, which is important for stable communication. The President noted that the decentralization of the network allowed the country to be less vulnerable to attacks, and Ukrainian TV viewers and radio listeners have stable access to information.
He said that at the moment Ukraine is ready to provide communication better than ever in the conditions of war. Zelenskyi explained that thanks to the introduction of new technologies by various institutions, in particular the State Special Communications Service, the private sector and broadcasters, it was possible to decentralize the information network, the energy network and the logistics system. This allows you to protect the communication network from significant damage in the event of possible attacks, and TV viewers and radio listeners can continue to receive relevant information. The President noted that the situation is somewhat more difficult in the border areas, as these zones are regularly attacked, but in general, according to Zelenskyi, Ukraine’s communication systems are more powerful today than before.
Financial support of Ukraine
The president also talked about the financial support of the country, which is provided by cooperation with international institutions. Thanks to partnership programs, in particular with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Ukraine was able to sign several dozen agreements, which relate not only to the supply of weapons, but also to the financing of social benefits. This will ensure wages, pensions and other benefits for all citizens who depend on public assistance until at least 2025.
Zelensky emphasized that this support is extremely important, as it allows the country to maintain financial stability. He also talked about efforts to strengthen air defense systems, although he emphasized that this is not yet enough to fully protect the country.
About preparation for winter attacks
When asked about preparations for winter attacks, Zelenskyy noted that intelligence works daily to assess the situation, and it is expected that the enemy will continue combined attacks, accumulating forces and means for strikes, in particular with the use of Shaheds and cruise missiles. He emphasized that the protection of energy infrastructure remains a key task, and Ukraine actively cooperates with partners to provide effective air defense systems, such as the Patriot, NASAMS, Hawk and Iris-T air defense systems.
“Intelligence is not just preparing – it works every day. They (the Russians – ed.) will continue combined strikes. They are accumulating forces, production. We need to prepare for everything – there must be various types of protection of the energy network. I will not talk about the number, but there are missile agreements for Patriot, NASAMS, Hawk, Iris-T, etc. We are in a very good position with regard to many air defense systems.” – emphasized the president.
Negotiations with the Russian Federation
Discussing possible negotiations with Russia, Zelenskyi said that they can make sense only if Ukraine is supported by the international community and is in a strong position. He noted that negotiations in conditions of weakness will be unsuccessful. An important condition is the position of America, which must recognize Russia as an aggressor, because it was she who violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity and international law. Zelenskyy added that America plays not only the role of a mediator in the negotiations, but is also one of the largest providers of aid, which can also contribute to Ukraine sitting down at the negotiating table.
However, Zelensky emphasized that the US does not put pressure on Ukraine in this matter. According to the President, it is important that Ukraine does not feel in a subordinate position. He emphasized that he discusses Ukrainian interests on an equal footing with both Donald Trump and Joe Biden, which is the country’s principled position.
About mobilization
The President also commented on the new law on mobilization, which came into effect six months ago, stressing that the mobilization process should be based on the real needs of the front and supported by society. In his opinion, some provisions of the legislation need some adjustment in order to maintain unity between the army and citizens. Zelensky noted that the reports of the Commander-in-Chief, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Minister of Defense indicate the need to resolve certain issues related to mobilization, but in general, this process is proceeding according to plans.
When asked about the mobilization plans, Zelensky noted that, although the new law on mobilization has been in effect for six months, its results are evaluated differently. In his opinion, laws are important for the life of society, but if some norms are not supported by the population or representatives of the military, they need to be adjusted. The President explained that war is a complex challenge and a balance must be found between the needs of the military and the unity of society to maintain the connection between the military and civilians, as well as between those who remain in the country and those who are abroad.
Regarding statements about the need to mobilize about 160,000 people, Zelenskyi said that he does not agree with specific numbers, since the number of mobilized people depends on the tasks at the front. In his opinion, it is important to approach mobilization with reason and the real needs of the front, and the exact numbers here are not indicative. He expressed his surprise at the fact that the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council publicly disclosed information about the number of those mobilized, because this is internal information.
When asked about demobilization and length of service, Zelenskyi emphasized that no one yearns for peace as much as Ukraine. He expressed his belief that the war will end if the United States maintains its policy towards Ukraine. The President noted that the task of Ukraine is to remain in a strong position and achieve a just peace that will not lead to the loss of the best sons and daughters due to injustice imposed from outside.
In addition, he commented on the number of criminal proceedings for voluntary desertion and desertion, which have increased in the last six months, and noted that the military may sometimes decide to take such a step due to intolerable conditions. He recognized that the situation in different brigades was different and that war was an extremely difficult ordeal. However, he emphasized that the Ukrainian army is mostly strong, and its soldiers are heroic and ready to fight.
The situation at the front
When asked about the situation at the front, Zelenskyi admitted that the situation in the east is difficult, because the Russians continue their slow offensive. He explained that brigades that have been fighting for a long time need rotation, and their equipment with new personnel and weapons is slow. Zelenskyi emphasized that it is important to ensure the rotation of the fighters and the confidence that behind them are equipped reserves ready to defend the country.
The President expressed his belief that next year the situation at the front will be changed, and peace will be achieved through diplomatic means, because peace is the main goal of Ukraine.
About the elections in the USA
Speaking about the possible impact of the election of Donald Trump on the future policy of the US towards Ukraine, Zelensky commented on the statements of Trump and his team regarding possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The President noted that such negotiations can make sense only if Ukraine is in a strong position and will not be forced to negotiate from a position of weakness. Zelensky emphasized that it is not clear to him how it is possible to negotiate with Putin, who, in his opinion, is a murderer.
He also added that it is extremely important for Ukraine that America maintains its position on condemning Russia as an aggressor and a violator of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, as this is an important point for any negotiation platform. The President emphasized that for Ukraine, victory means a strong and independent state, able to withstand both diplomatic and military conditions.
Zelenskyi also noted that the United States is not only a possible mediator in negotiations, but also an important provider of aid, and can influence Ukraine by encouraging it to negotiate. However, answering the question of whether he feels pressure from Donald Trump on this issue, Zelensky noted that there was no sense of pressure in his conversations with Trump, Biden and European leaders, because Ukraine is an independent country, and the rhetoric is “sit and listen” does not apply to it. He emphasized the importance of respecting equality between states and noted that such an atmosphere of absence of pressure from the US allows Ukraine to maintain a strong position in any dialogue – both with Putin and with other leaders.
Zelenskyi thanked for bipartisan support from the US, as both Democrats and Republicans supported aid to Ukraine. However, he noted that Ukraine actually received only half of the allocated $175-177 billion in aid. According to Zelenskyi, this is important to take into account when evaluating support from the US, because Europe has also provided Ukraine with significant assistance. He emphasized that it is important to maintain unity between Europe and the US, as any changes in American policy may affect the level of support from Europe.
The President also talked about the September meeting with Donald Trump in New York, which he called positive and reasoned by Ukraine. Zelensky congratulated Trump on his victory and discussed the Ukrainian position, which Trump, according to him, heard and supported. The president noted that Trump expressed his desire to help end the war, expressing respect for Ukraine and its determination.
The President also talked about the development of the Ukrainian military industry, in particular the production of weapons, including missiles and drones. He noted that the Ukrainian army is one of the most powerful in the world, and changes in the public and private sectors have allowed Ukraine to become a technologically strong state in Europe. Zelensky also said that the budget for 2025 already provides 775 billion hryvnias for the production of drones and other types of weapons.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended the interview on an optimistic note, expressing hope that the war could end next year through diplomatic means, which would allow Ukraine to restore stability and peace.
