Ukraine's Zelensky Urges Trump to Remain Committed as War Enters Fifth Year

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to "stay on our side" as Russia's war against Ukraine continues into its fifth year.

In an interview with CNN ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Zelensky said the United States is too powerful to withdraw support from "a democratic country which is fighting against one person. Because this person is a war." He warned that conceding to Russian President Vladimir Putin would risk Ukraine losing everything, including the safety of its people.

Zelensky acknowledged Ukrainian exhaustion after years of conflict but stressed the importance of defending sovereignty. He criticized Trump for not applying enough pressure on Putin and called for stronger U.S. action to support Ukraine's resistance.

On peace talks involving the U.S., Russia and Ukraine, Zelensky said no breakthrough has occurred, with security guarantees a key issue. He emphasized the need for concrete commitments from allies against potential future Russian invasions, stating vague assurances are insufficient.

Zelensky opposed signing a combined peace agreement and security guarantees simultaneously, advocating U.S. Congress approval first to build trust. He expressed willingness to freeze front lines but refused to withdraw troops from eastern Donetsk, citing risks to 200,000 residents there.

The interview followed a ceremony where Zelensky honored fallen soldiers by presenting medals to their families.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed Ukraine has lost more than 1.5 million troops, 670 warplanes, 283 helicopters, 116,804 drones, 27,835 tanks, 650 air defense systems and 1,671 multiple rocket launchers since the war began. Kyiv has not verified these figures, and Western officials have noted casualty numbers are difficult to confirm.

Zelensky addressed wartime restrictions on elections under martial law and uncertainty over Trump's views on Ukrainian leadership, prioritizing defense, citizen support and alliances.