Zelenskiy emphasizes unity with Europe and pragmatism with the US

20/2/2025 6:04

Ukrainian President Volodymyr

Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that he was counting on unity and

courage from his compatriots, and pragmatism and a

"constructive" approach in relations with the United States.



"We are standing strong on our own two feet. I am counting

on Ukrainian unity, our courage ... on the unity of Europe and

the pragmatism of America," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video

address. "Because America needs success just as much as we do."



He said he would be meeting the U.S. envoy for Russia and

Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, on Thursday "and it is crucial for us

that this meeting -- and overall cooperation with America -- be

constructive."



"Together with America and Europe, peace can be more secure

and this is our goal. Success brings us together. Our unity is

the strongest safeguard of our future. A future without (Russian

President Vladimir) Putin, but with peace."



Zelenskiy made his remarks after U.S.-Russian talks in Saudi

Arabia this week on a settlement of the nearly three-year-old

war to which Ukraine was not invited.



His remarks also followed verbal exchanges in which U.S.

President Donald Trump described Zelenskiy as a "dictator

without elections" for Kyiv's rejection of a wartime election.

Trump also suggested that Ukraine was responsible for Russia's

2022 invasion.