Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he and President Donald Trump want to end Russia’s war but disagree on how to achieve that goal, arguing that Ukraine better understands Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In excerpts from an interview with The Sun shared on X, Zelenskyy described Putin’s worldview and mentality as deeply Soviet. He said his generation’s experience of the Soviet Union helps Ukrainians recognize when Putin is lying.
“President Trump and I are on the same side when we speak about ending Russia’s war, but we see different instruments for achieving that goal,” Zelenskyy said.
He acknowledged that the United States considers global security and can discuss a range of issues with Russia. Ukraine’s long experience as Russia’s neighbor, he argued, gives it a clearer understanding of Putin and of Russian soldiers and civilians.
Zelenskyy accused Putin of using fear of imprisonment and other punishment to compel Russians to fight against Ukraine. He said Trump had supported Ukraine on some issues, while differences remained on others.
The excerpts did not specify which policies or decisions divided them.
Zelenskyy also defended speaking more forcefully with Ukraine’s partners, saying the pressure on his country required him to raise his voice.
“To speak honestly is one of our weapons, to be open, and to be clear,” he said. “Not to play games with our partners.”
He described that openness as part of Ukraine’s defense strategy. When he senses danger to the country, Zelenskyy said, he must use every available form of diplomacy to defend it, just as soldiers and others contribute through their work.
The interview excerpts also addressed Russian attacks on Ukrainian data and digital infrastructure.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia had targeted Ukraine’s data and cyberspace for a long time before Ukraine found ways to counter those attacks. He credited decentralized digital infrastructure with keeping mobile phone and internet services operating despite repeated Russian attacks on data centers.
Zelenskyy described Ukraine as more technologically advanced in this area. He argued that Russia’s more centralized systems made Ukrainian responses more damaging.
The supplied excerpts do not independently substantiate his claims about Russian coercion, the extent of Ukraine’s digital resilience or the damage caused by Ukrainian responses.
Zelenskyy linked Ukraine’s decision to decentralize infrastructure to its shortage of air defenses. Russia has substantial air defense resources to protect its facilities, he said, while Ukraine has had to spread infrastructure more widely.
“We don’t have too much air defense – we have a shortage,” he said. “That is why we decentralized everything, not only data.”
He maintained that Ukraine responds only after Russian attacks against it.
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