Zelensky: I am counting on Ukraine’s unity, courage and US pragmatism

KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb 19 that he was counting on unity and courage from his compatriots, and pragmatism and a “constructive” approach in relations with the United States.

“We are standing strong on our own two feet. I am counting on Ukrainian unity, our courage... on the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America,” Mr Zelensky said, in his nightly video address.

“Because America needs success just as much as we do.”

He said he would be meeting the US envoy for Russia and Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, on Feb 20 “and it is crucial for us that this meeting – and overall cooperation with America – be constructive”.

“Together with America and Europe, peace can be more secure and this is our goal. Success brings us together. Our unity is the strongest safeguard of our future. A future without (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, but with peace.”

Mr Zelensky made his remarks after

US-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia

this week on a settlement of the nearly three-year-old war to which Ukraine was not invited.

His remarks also followed verbal exchanges in which US President Donald Trump

described Mr Zelensky as a “dictator without elections”

for Kyiv’s rejection of a wartime election.

Martial law introduced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 bans any wartime elections. The Constitution says the president serves until a newly elected one takes office.

Mr Trump also suggested that Ukraine was responsible for Russia's 2022 invasion. REUTERS