I am not afraid of Trump, said Zelensky

After a recent Russian attack that left most of Ukraine without electricity, President Zelensky told the British newspaper The Guardian in an interview that his meeting with Donald Trump in Washington last October was “normal, businesslike, and constructive.”
 

In his words, “He (Trump) didn’t throw anything, I’m sure of that. During the meeting, we discussed Ukraine’s defense needs and ways to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities.”
 

He said, “The whole world is afraid of Trump, that’s true. But I’m not... We are not enemies of America; we are friends. So why should I be afraid?”
 

He further said that he respects the democratic choice of the American people. Ukraine’s relationship with the United States, he added, is built on a “strategic partnership that will last for many years perhaps decades or even centuries.”
 

President Zelensky revealed that Britain’s King Charles has quietly played an important role in improving relations between Ukraine and the United States. He also mentioned that Trump “respects King Charles very much” and considers him “very important.”
 

The Ukrainian president confirmed that his country plans to purchase 27 Patriot air defense systems from American weapons manufacturers. He also called on European allies to lend their own Patriot systems to Ukraine.
 

Speaking about Western military aid, Zelensky said, “No assistance is ever enough until the war is over.”

According to The Guardian, the interview with Zelensky was conducted at Kyiv’s Mariinsky Palace. After the Russian attack, electricity went out there. Still, smiling, Zelensky said, “This is our reality. Just like in other parts of the country, power in Kyiv also comes and goes from time to time.”
 

He accused Russia of waging a “hybrid war against Europe,” warning that Moscow could launch new attacks on another European country even while the war in Ukraine continues.