In a recent interview in central Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine urged the United States and Europe to do more to help defend his nation against fierce Russian advances. He proposed that NATO planes shoot down Russian missiles in Ukrainian airspace and advocated for Ukraine to be allowed to fire American missiles and weaponry at military targets inside Russia. With the inability to do so, Zelensky expressed frustration at the West’s reluctance to take bolder steps to ensure Ukraine’s success, especially as the army faces a grave military challenge and a new package of American arms has yet to arrive.
During the interview, which occurred on the last day of his five-year presidential term, Zelensky discussed his experiences visiting mass graves and consoling families of fallen soldiers. He expressed frustration at the lack of action from the West and outlined a checklist of actions he believed allies should take to support Ukraine. Zelensky called for NATO to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine and provide more F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems. He also emphasized the importance of using Western-provided weapons to strike at military targets inside Russia as essential for Ukraine’s defense.
Zelensky proposed diplomacy that avoids direct talks with Russia but rallies nations behind Ukraine’s positions for an eventual peace settlement. He highlighted the need to secure Ukrainian food exports, conduct prisoner exchanges, secure a Russian-occupied nuclear power station in Ukraine, and return abducted Ukrainian children from Russia. Zelensky also advocated for Ukraine to join NATO and welcomed recent suggestions by allies for NATO troops to train or support Ukrainian forces in the country.
Despite fears of nuclear escalation, Zelensky downplayed this concern, stating that Russia’s President Putin would refrain from using nuclear weapons out of self-preservation. He suggested that some Western countries were hesitant to take stronger actions due to concerns about retaining trade and diplomatic ties with Russia. Zelensky acknowledged the challenges facing Ukraine and reflected on the difficulties and uncertainties of the ongoing war, expressing a desire for victory for Ukraine and time spent with his family and dogs after the conflict.
Reflecting on his presidency, Zelensky faced a critical moment early in the war with Russia’s attempted decapitating attack on the Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv. Now, nearly 17 months later, it remains unclear how or when his presidency will end, as martial law in Ukraine precludes holding presidential elections. Despite some waning support, Zelensky remains focused on defending Ukraine and maintaining the country’s democracy through the ongoing conflict, highlighting the resilience and sacrifices of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.
