"This is not a game": Zelensky on trust in the US during negotiations
Zelensky said he trusts the American allies in negotiations to end the war. The United States genuinely seeks to stop the conflict, but has its own vision. For Ukraine, it is important not only to end the war, but also to secure conditions that prevent its recurrence.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
December 8, 2025 · 1 min read
President Volodymyr Zelensky sees a genuine desire among American allies to end the Russian-Ukrainian war; they just have "their own vision" of the situation. The head of state said this in response to a reporter's question in Brussels.
Trust in the USA
Zelensky is convinced that the United States is a strong partner, and President Donald Trump truly wants to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Yes, he has his own vision, and we live here inside, we see the details and nuances, we perceive everything much more deeply, because this is our homeland
– Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
He stressed that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is working with special envoy Steve Witkoff and other members of the negotiating team, "is trying very hard."
Not a game, but real intentions
I can clearly see that they want the war to end. This is not a game on the part of the United States. It is important for everyone that the war ends. But for us it is also important how, on what terms. So that there is no risk of the war repeating. Because we do not trust Russia
– Volodymyr Zelensky
Context
The president's statement came against the backdrop of active talks aimed at resolving the war mediated by the United States. Despite trusting American partners, Zelensky emphasizes the critical importance of the terms for ending the conflict, which must prevent its recurrence. Ukraine does not trust Russia and needs reliable security guarantees from Western allies.
