President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 20 referred to as on U.S. President Donald Trump to "make the correct alternative for historical past" by standing with Ukraine in opposition to Russian aggression.
Zelensky mentioned Moscow is making an attempt to affect the U.S. president amid the escalating battle between Israel and Iran.
"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin actually needs us to be with out America," Zelensky mentioned throughout a briefing attended by the Kyiv Unbiased. "For President Trump proper now, the Israel-Iran difficulty is unquestionably the next precedence."
The Ukrainian president cautioned that Moscow lacks the potential to meaningfully assist Iran however will "fake" in any other case to realize affect with Washington.
"I believe that is additionally an indication to President Trump. And I actually don't need him (Trump) to make a take care of the Russians that’s not in our favor," he mentioned.
Zelensky mentioned that U.S. assist stays important for Ukraine's protection and long-term safety. Whereas some European international locations have dedicated to backing Ukraine, he mentioned, the lack of American assist can be essentially the most troublesome state of affairs.
"In order that President Trump makes the correct alternative for historical past," Zelensky mentioned. "As a result of it's the correct factor to be with us. As a result of Putin is the aggressor. And in any case, the aggressor loses."
He added that the Ukrainian delegation is actively working with U.S. officers, together with a latest dialog between Financial system Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent relating to the minerals settlement and securing new army help.
"We handed over a particular weapons package deal we want, together with Patriot methods, and we’re awaiting suggestions," Zelensky added. "We’re able to afford this complete package deal."
The president mentioned these things — army assist, sanctions, and coordinated diplomatic stress on the Kremlin — can be key subjects in a possible assembly with Trump.
"We’d like larger certainty and larger stress from the world on Putin — that is needed for diplomacy," he mentioned. "And I wish to focus on these codecs with him."
Putin provided to mediate between Israel and Iran after talking with each Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 13.
Russia condemned Israel's strikes, which focused Iran's nuclear and army infrastructure utilizing 200 plane and 330 munitions. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Tel Aviv and different cities, killing 5 Ukrainian residents on June 14.
Zelensky traveled to the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada on June 17, hoping for a one-on-one assembly with Trump. The U.S. president left the summit early, citing the escalating Israel-Iran disaster.
Regardless of rejecting Putin's provide to mediate within the Center East battle, Trump has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia, even because the Kremlin continues to reject ceasefire proposals in its battle in opposition to Ukraine.
