Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in a very difficult moment politically. In his latest reaction to Donald Trump's criticism, the Ukrainian leader has announced that he hopes for European unity and American pragmatism to end the war with Russia.
"We are standing strong on our feet. I rely on Ukrainian unity, our courage ... on the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America," Zelenskiy told Ukrainians in his video address late Wednesday.
"America needs success as much as we do," he added, writes A2 CNN.
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister, also known as the "Gas Princess", Yulia Tymoshenko said that Zelenskiy is the legitimate leader of Ukraine until someone is elected.
"Only Ukrainians have the right to decide when and under what conditions they should change their government. Today there are no such conditions! Zelenskyy is the legitimate leader of Ukraine, until someone else is elected. It is impossible and immoral to hold elections during the war, as the army would not be able to participate," she said.
Trump is working on a quick deal to end the war in Ukraine and has alarmed Washington's European allies by leaving them and Ukraine out of initial talks with Russia and blaming Ukraine for the Russian invasion in 2022. Trump's reaction has also affected the residents of Kiev, for whom Zelenskyy is already a trusted leader.
"Zelenskyy is definitely not a dictator. He has always stood up for our country in any case. I also voted for him. I hope Trump changes his decision, because he was wrong to make such a statement," she said further, writes A2 CNN.
"I see Trump as someone who builds everything on advertising and business, he only needs money. Regarding his accusations, he says a lot of nonsense. Of course, we need elections, but it is impossible to hold them, because the war is ongoing," said Hanna Shepyl, a resident of Kyiv.
“I think he (Trump) shouldn’t have said that, because he is the President and his statement is about our President. From a diplomatic point of view it is incorrect. Whatever he thinks about our President is his (Trump’s) personal problem. If he doesn’t intend to help Ukraine, he should just say that, but he shouldn’t cross the line into personalities, that’s it,” said Yevhen Shlapak, a resident of Kyiv.
Zelenskiy's five-year term was due to end in 2024, but elections cannot be held under martial law, which Ukraine imposed in February 2022 in response to Russia's invasion.
(A2 Televizion)
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