(Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said late on Tuesday that no one would give his country peace as a gift, but he believed the United States would stand by Kiev in its fight to stop Russia's 34-month-old invasion.
In a 21-minute video congratulating his compatriots on the New Year, Zelensky said that only a strong Ukraine can ensure peace and earn global respect.
“We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything in our power to stop Russia and end the war, which is something each of us desires,” Zelensky said in front of the backdrop of the blue and yellow national flag. Battlefield scenes and pictures of children.
He recalled his conversations with outgoing US President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and “everyone who supports us in the United States.”
“I have no doubt that the new American president wants and will be able to bring peace and end (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s aggression,” Zelensky said.
“He understands that the first is impossible without the second. Because this is not a street brawl where both sides need to calm down. This is a large-scale aggression by a dysfunctional state against a civilized state. And I believe that together and with the United States, we are capable of forcefully forcing Russia to a just peace.” “.
Zelensky said that Russia cannot be trusted either in battle or in talks.
He added: “If Russia shakes hands with you today, that does not mean that the same hand will not start killing you tomorrow.” “Russians are afraid of free people. What they don't understand. They fear freedom.”
The Biden administration has provided the largest military support to Ukraine among Western countries since the all-out invasion in February 2022.
Ukraine is concerned about Trump's criticism of aid to Kiev and his pledge, during the US election campaign, to bring a quick end to the war, but Zelensky expressed optimism about ensuring continued US support.
Ukraine has had a difficult year, with Russian forces seizing village after village in a faster advance on the eastern front than has been the case since the beginning of the invasion.
In recent months, Zelensky said that any settlement of the conflict depends on obtaining security guarantees from Western countries and Kiev securing an invitation to join NATO, an idea that Russia completely rejects.
In his greeting, Zelensky said that last year Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia's southern Kursk region, carried out long-range drone strikes against distant Russian targets, and developed home-made drones and other weapons.
“Every day of the coming year, I and everyone must fight until Ukraine is strong enough,” he said. “Only a Ukraine like this is respected and heard – both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.”
