Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of having no intention of ending the war, criticized diesel fuel deals with Russia, and explained how restrictions on Starlink prevented Ukraine from intercepting some Russian drones. He also warned Europe that the Kremlin would not stop at Ukrainian territory and that NATO countries could become its next targets.
The Ukrainian leader made these remarks during a conversation with journalists in Brussels.
According to Zelensky, despite diplomatic efforts and statements about the possibility of a peace settlement, Vladimir Putin is currently not interested in genuine negotiations.
“Putin does not want negotiations right now. Not in any format. He is playing word games, claiming that ‘they are responding.’ It looks like a parody of a genuine desire to end the war,” the president emphasized.
Zelensky also criticized diesel fuel agreements with Russia, warning that they could mark the beginning of a gradual dismantling of sanctions against the Kremlin.
The Ukrainian president believes that diesel deals could be followed by gas agreements and eventually by decisions to ease restrictions on Russian banks, industries, and individuals.
“We cannot accept diesel deals because gas deals will come next. I am absolutely certain of that,” Zelensky declared.
According to him, even frozen Russian assets could eventually be at risk. The president stressed that Ukraine must resist such decisions through diplomatic efforts because they directly affect the country’s future.
Another major issue raised during the conversation was the restrictions imposed on Starlink satellite communications.
Zelensky confirmed that the system had not been completely shut down, but the reduction in connection speeds had serious consequences for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
“Starlink was not switched off, but its speed was reduced. And when the speed was reduced, we were unable to shoot down a certain number of jet-powered Shahed drones. We could not use a tool designed to protect people. This is very painful and deeply upsetting,” the president explained.
He noted that Starlink is used to intercept Russian attack drones, strike military targets in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, and deliver food and water to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.
All these capabilities were affected by the speed restrictions.
At the same time, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine does not use Starlink to carry out retaliatory strikes inside the Russian Federation.
According to him, the system’s speed is gradually being restored but has still not returned to its previous level.
A significant part of Zelensky’s remarks focused on the threat Russia poses not only to Ukraine but to Europe as a whole.
The president urged Western partners not to believe that territorial concessions would satisfy the Kremlin.
“Putin wants to destroy us. He does not respect us, our sovereignty, or our territorial integrity. He genuinely believes that we are not a country, not a nation,” Zelensky declared.
He recalled that at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Russian forces advanced not only into Donbas but also toward Kyiv.
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“Do you really believe that just the eastern part of our country would be enough for him? Then why did he advance on Kyiv when the full-scale invasion began? Is Kyiv Donbas? No, it is the capital. Without a capital, there is no state.”
Zelensky believes European countries are underestimating the danger posed by Russian provocations involving drones.
He warned that current incidents involving individual drones could eventually escalate into much larger attacks.
“They do not want escalation because it is one Russian drone, two drones, ten drones. But you will speak very loudly when there are ballistic and cruise missiles, along with thousands of drones,” the president warned.
Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine had faced approximately 1,000 Russian drones in just the previous day.
The Ukrainian president also responded to Trump’s remarks suggesting that negotiating with Zelensky was more difficult than dealing with Putin.
“But the American side said that it is difficult to negotiate with Zelensky. With Putin, it is easier. Of course,” Zelensky remarked sarcastically.
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