President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has no intention of resigning. According to him, holding elections in Ukraine is impossible amid constant Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy said this in an interview with journalist Piers Morgan. The president also explained why, in his view, some “big guys” want to replace him.
“Because I will never recognize Ukrainian land as Russian. Yes, I am a realist and understand that people are more important than one or two kilometers. It is not about the kilometers.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
Asked about a possible resignation, Zelenskyy replied:
“No, of course not. This is my responsibility.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
On elections and defending the country
The president expressed confidence that if elections were held, the newly elected president—whether a man or a woman—would defend Ukraine and would not capitulate.
“I am confident that the new president—whether a man or a woman—will defend our country, because this is our home. How can you act otherwise? Someone may do it better, someone worse, but they will do it in any case.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
Zelenskyy recalled that his predecessor as president had also stood up to Russia when Crimea and part of Donbas were already occupied. He mentioned the anti-terrorist operation, which continued until Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“President Trump should know this—there was another president sitting in my chair. And there was an anti-terrorist operation for a long time then. Quite a long time. Right up until the full-scale invasion.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
The president also said that Ukrainians would defend their statehood and would not lose their independence even without the support of the United States.
US pressure and a condition for voting
At the same time, Zelenskyy said he feels “betrayed” by attempts by US leader Donald Trump to pressure Ukraine.
Sources speaking to The Atlantic believe that Trump sees Zelenskyy as the main obstacle to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The article also notes that this is why the White House chief called for elections to be held in Ukraine and for a new president to be elected.
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to organize elections on the condition of a full ceasefire lasting 60 days.
