Zelensky told Fox News: "Putin doesn't want a strong Trump."

President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to the American television channel Fox News, stating that Kyiv would like to reclaim the territories occupied by Russia through diplomatic pressure, but Putin is determined to continue military actions.

The President of Ukraine responded to the host's questions about the concessions Kyiv is willing to make to achieve peace.

Zelensky mentioned that since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has "returned over 50% of the territory" that Putin occupied, but does not wish to prolong the bloodshed.

"We do not want to lose more lives, but we cannot recognize the occupation," said Zelensky. "We do not legally acknowledge the occupation, but we prefer to regain territory diplomatically rather than through hostilities. That is what we want. But Putin does not want to end this war."

Zelensky also noted that Putin fears a tough American policy towards Russia, as mentioned by President Donald Trump.

"The rhetoric of President Trump was not just harsh; it was honest and fair," stated the President of Ukraine. "And that is what Putin fears. He does not want a strong Trump who supports Ukraine."

The absence of the U.S. in the so-called "Normandy format" (a meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France) was a mistake by Washington, emphasized Zelensky.

In the past, Russia has not adhered to signed documents, such as the Budapest Memorandum, which involved Ukraine's renunciation of nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees, or the Minsk agreements.

"Everyone was indifferent to such agreements; that’s what it is," said Zelensky.

To establish a lasting peace, Ukraine needs broader security guarantees that involve not only Europe but also the U.S.

"Unfortunately, Putin does not fear Europe," stated the Ukrainian president.

Background. Recall that in an interview with Lex Fridman, Zelensky remarked on the Budapest Memorandum: "Everyone was indifferent to this country." According to him, after the occupation of parts of Donbas and Crimea, Ukraine sent letters for several years to all countries that signed the memorandum, but no one responded.