In a recent interview with Fox News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is attempting to influence U.S. President Donald Trump to stall peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy strongly refuted claims that Ukraine is the main impediment to achieving peace, emphasizing that Ukraine has always supported negotiating a resolution. He expressed that when one is defending their homeland, the desire for peace is particularly strong, indicating that the onus for progress lies squarely with Russia's reluctance to make concessions.

Zelenskyy characterized the situation as one where Russia seeks to 'play with the president of the United States,' implying that there is a strategic effort to prolong negotiations in order to maintain their advantageous position in the conflict. When asked about Vladimir Putin's motives, he suggested that Putin is deliberately delaying discussions, thereby undermining potential peace efforts. This portrayal of Russia's actions highlights a dynamic of mutual suspicion where each side accuses the other of sabotaging negotiations, complicating the already tense international landscape surrounding the conflict.

Despite these challenges, Zelenskyy expressed readiness to consider a ceasefire to halt military actions, contingent upon subsequent negotiations. However, he firmly rejected any demands from Russia that would compromise Ukraine's sovereignty. This reflects the broader context of the conflict, where territorial integrity and national sovereignty remain paramount concerns for Ukraine, underscoring the difficulties in reaching a satisfactory resolution while essential principles of international law and statehood are at stake.