Extra: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's Full Interview With FOX News' Trey Yingst
Nov 23, 2024
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In an exclusive interview, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, discusses the ongoing war with Russia and the challenges of maintaining national unity amid conflict. He raises concerns about dwindling support from the U.S. and allies and the potential impact of a changing U.S. administration. Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of strength and diplomacy for future peace efforts and warns of the global implications if Ukraine were to lose. His insights offer a candid look at the stakes involved in navigating Ukraine's turbulent future.
President Zelensky emphasized the necessity of international unity and support, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, to sustain Ukraine's military efforts against Russia.
Zelensky highlighted the importance of achieving a diplomatic resolution while maintaining a strong negotiating position to safeguard Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Deep dives
Current State of the War
The war in Ukraine has now surpassed a thousand days, characterized by significant struggles and losses. President Zelensky noted that while the initial days of the invasion were the most challenging, the current period presents its own difficulties, largely dependent on maintaining unity within Ukraine and with its allies. He expressed concerns about declining support from the U.S. and Europe and highlighted the need for stabilization in the eastern regions where Russian forces have made modest advances. The president emphasized that the war's outcome hinges on not just their military strength but also the ongoing international unity against Russian aggression.
Diplomacy and Peace Efforts
Zelensky expressed a clear desire for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, underscoring that peace negotiations must consider Ukraine's territorial integrity. He asserted that any ceasefire agreement that compromises Ukrainian territory is unacceptable and would only serve to empower Russia for future aggression. The necessity of being perceived as strong in negotiations was highlighted, as Ukraine must enter discussions with a position of strength to safeguard its interests. He acknowledged that while diplomatic efforts are crucial, the reality remains that significant external support, notably from the United States, is essential to Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defensive capabilities.
Concerns Over Future U.S. Support
Zelensky articulated fears regarding potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under the incoming Trump administration, particularly in terms of military funding and support for Ukraine. He cautioned that a reduction in support could lead to dire consequences for Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russian advances. Zelensky made it clear that while Ukraine will continue to fight, diminished aid would substantially impair its military operations. The president underscored the importance of a strategic plan and firm commitments from allies to ensure Ukraine's resilience against ongoing threats.
The Role of NATO and Security Guarantees
President Zelensky emphasized the significance of NATO and expressed his hope for stronger security guarantees from Western allies, especially the United States. He pointed out that Ukraine’s path towards peace requires not just military aid, but also a cumbersome framework of security assurances that would prevent future escalations by Russia. Zelensky indicated that any peace negotiations must recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as non-negotiable points. Asserting that a strong military position is imperative, he argued that without adequate support, any peaceful resolution would likely result in a frozen conflict with Russia, leaving the threat of further aggression looming.
The war between Ukraine and Russia has been raging for more than a thousand days.
FOX News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst spoke exclusively with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this past Tuesday during a recent trip to the country.
Zelensky weighed in on many issues facing his war-torn nation, including its struggle to remain united after years of war with Russia and concerns about his nation losing support from the United States and their European allies. He also discussed President Biden recently authorizing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles deeper into Russia, what he expects from the incoming Trump administration, and the threat of the conflict igniting World War III.
Since Trey’s interview, the war has escalated further, including Russia’s use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile in Ukraine on Thursday. Still, President Zelensky was candid about a wide range of issues, and we thought it was important you hear all of it here on the FOX News Rundown Extra.
Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share the entire conversation between President Zelensky and FOX News’ Trey Yingst and allow you to hear even more about the state of the Russian-Ukraine war.