President Zelensky

[0:00] For more than four years, Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky has been going around the world [0:05] pressing other leaders for help, for cash, for military support to help push back the Kremlin's [0:11] aggressive invasion of his country. But now, with a tension on America and Israel's war with Iran [0:17] that spread across the Middle East, there's fear in Kyiv that leaders are distracted and a plea [0:24] from the leader not to look away. Mr. President, you are now leading your country into a fifth [0:35] year of war, but there is war in another part of the world now, too. How worried are you that [0:41] the conflict in the Middle East will turn people's attention away from what's happening in your [0:45] country? I have a very bad feeling about the impact of this war on the situation in Ukraine. [0:53] But, of course, first of all, any war is bad for the people, a lot of losses. Therefore, [0:59] certainly, I really want the war to be stopped, to be over. Nothing is stopped just like that, [1:04] of course. [1:05] But there is a diplomatic way. If it could be turned around, that would be right, in my opinion. [1:11] As for the influence of the war in the Middle East on our state, on our people, of course, [1:16] there is a shortage of fuel in the world, and everyone is talking about it today. And this [1:21] is a problem for us. But our priority is, honestly, protection, the protection of our people's lives. [1:27] There is a deficit of fuel in the world, and everyone is talking about it today. And for us, [1:32] it's a problem. But our priority is, honestly, protection, the protection of our people's lives. [1:35] So, there will be a reduced number of missiles for air defense. Today, I am straining my brain. [1:45] I am having various meetings. I am looking for opportunities, just in case, alternatives, [1:50] to prepare for the challenges ahead. Because we have just got through one winter, and we had a [1:57] deficit of anti-ballistic missiles for air defense. But the next winter will still come. Yes, there is [2:04] still time. [2:05] But it will come. Time is running out very fast. Therefore, there are consequences for the air [2:11] defense. And the focus of America is more on the Middle East than on Ukraine, unfortunately. [2:17] Therefore, you see that our diplomatic meetings, trilateral meetings, are constantly postponed. [2:24] There is one reason, war in Iran. [2:29] What is the current status of any of those meetings between Russia, America and your country, [2:37] to try to find some kind of settlement? You say they've been delayed. Are they actually happening [2:40] at all? Or are they off for now, because President Trump is concentrating on Iran? [2:50] President Trump is concentrating on Iran, but the negotiations groups are talking among [2:55] themselves. Our group is talking to the American side every day. I know that Americans are talking [2:59] to the Russians every day, too. The American side, because of this war in Iran, said that it was [3:04] ready to host both sides in America. [3:07] We confirmed our participation, but the Russians are against meeting in the United States of [3:12] America. That's why, for the time being, we're trying to focus on America proposing a date and [3:17] place. Ukraine will support any date and any place, but certainly not in Russia. [3:25] We know, though, that Russia is helping Iran. You called them today brothers in hatred. [3:32] Is the Kremlin benefiting from the war in Iran? President Trump's eased off some sanctions on [3:38] Russia. [3:38] Putin will want a long war. For Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus. In addition to [3:50] energy prices, it means the depletion of U.S. reserves and the depletion of air defense [3:55] manufacturers. I don't want to go back to air defense, but it's clear any war is a depletion [4:01] of resources. And of course, America has allies, the Europeans. If America needs additional [4:07] resources, they will ask Europe. [4:09] And Europe, as an ally, will give America what America asks for. So we have a depletion of [4:15] resources. So it is beneficial for Putin that the resources do not go to Ukraine, against whom he [4:22] has directed his army and is fighting with. He needs to weaken us, and this is a long process. [4:28] The Middle East is one of the ways to do that. [4:30] We need to weaken us, and this is a long process in the Middle East, and, in principle, [4:35] one of these formats. [4:38] And indeed, as you say, [4:40] there are only so many resources in the world. There are only so many missiles in the world. [4:44] There are only so many Patriot missiles in the world that are being used by Gulf states. [4:50] Are you worried that those vital Patriot missiles could not be there for you when you need them? [5:01] There will definitely be a deficit. I understand this absolutely. I understand how [5:05] PAK-2 and PAK-3 are used, how they're used in the Middle East. It's my clear understanding that at the [5:12] beginning of the war, the Middle Eastern countries threw absolutely everything to destroy the drones [5:18] using PAK-3 because they work against any target. And I absolutely know that the question now [5:24] is when will all the stockpiles in the Middle East be exhausted? And today, America produces 60 to 65 [5:31] missiles per month. [5:32] Imagine, 65 missiles per month is about 700 to 800 missiles per year — produced each year, yeah? [5:41] And on the first day, in the Middle East war, 803 missiles were used. [5:49] So what will that mean for Ukraine if those missiles are all depleted? [5:54] A challenge. [5:56] Another challenge. [5:57] To look for opportunities to negotiate with manufacturers, to work with different partners, [6:02] to talk to Europe again, while understanding that they gave us as much as they could [6:07] and left a certain amount for themselves. [6:09] But Europe will need to help us. [6:12] I understand that sometimes it may sound a little arrogant. [6:16] I apologize. [6:17] This is a question of life itself. [6:23] What would you say then to Western leaders now? [6:27] You're in more jeopardy than just a few short weeks ago. [6:33] We need to gather our strength. [6:35] Unity is number one. [6:36] Speed is number two. [6:38] Not to compete about who has made a contribution to civilization [6:41] and who hasn't. [6:42] And to the development of history. [6:44] Because now we have people living. [6:46] We live now. [6:47] Children now. [6:48] People have grandchildren now. [6:49] All this is now. [6:51] We are talking about what is now and what will be tomorrow. [6:55] You have to act very quickly. [6:57] Those who are strong must help the weak. [7:00] Those who are technological share their technologies. [7:03] Today, all our European friends need to be able to give us the maximum licenses, [7:09] rights, opportunities for the industrial sector of Ukraine. [7:12] Because in terms of military tech, today, we are the number one, because of the war. [7:17] We are not smarter than other European countries, but because of the war, [7:21] we have underground manufacturers. [7:23] We have lots of different ones, and very many of them. [7:26] Give us licenses for us to produce arms, which are in deficit, [7:30] and Ukraine will do everything to increase. [7:33] This is our number one interest. [7:38] And you've become the experts in the most painful way possible. [7:43] But there is a real sense of turmoil around the world now. [7:47] And it's just over a year since we last spoke, [7:49] days after your showdown in the Oval Office with President Trump. [7:53] Last week, he said that you were the obstacle to peace. [7:58] What did you think when you heard that? [8:04] I think I've already said everything, to be honest. [8:11] Ukraine. [8:12] Every normal Ukrainian man or normal Ukrainian woman, I believe this is what we are, [8:17] are not in opposition. [8:18] We are the obstacle to peace, because in this war, we have only encountered losses. [8:22] Russia attacked us. [8:23] We lost our peace. [8:25] Russia was pressuring us. [8:26] We were losing people. [8:27] We want to develop economically. [8:29] We want to build a country, modern, strong. [8:32] But we are now putting all our money into weapons. [8:35] We are living people, and the time is passing. [8:38] And all this time, our children are growing up, becoming adults. [8:41] We don't see this. [8:42] And for some, I don't complain about myself, I feel sorrow for many people. [8:47] They have a huge tragedy. [8:49] Their children could be killed on the front line defending the country. [8:53] And that's why we are so demanding about the conditions for the end of the war [8:57] and guarantees of security, so that the war does not start again. [9:01] We do not want this hell again in which we live today and survive. [9:10] And that has to be real. [9:12] It is real life for your countrymen and women. [9:14] And it has been for more than four years now. [9:17] But it is obvious. [9:18] We have seen it on our screens that the personal relationship between you and Donald Trump has been a difficult one. [9:25] You're gambling with World War Three. [9:28] Do you believe that President Trump wants you or Russia to win this war? [9:34] I think he really wants the war to end. [9:37] He wants to finish this war. [9:38] That's a different question. [9:39] Do you think he has a clear view of who he wants to see win in the end? [9:45] I think he wants to see the war to end. [9:50] He has a different attitude to it, it seems to me. [9:53] He wants to end the war because he talked about it and promised and promised it to voters and to everyone. [9:58] He wants to finish it quickly. [10:00] He thinks about the very moment of the end of the war, how to do it more easily. [10:05] So it is probably more difficult to negotiate with the Russians. [10:09] He thinks about this. Why? [10:11] Because the Russians are big, have a lot of weapons, a large country, a lot of people, etc. [10:17] Well, and that's why he thinks that the dialogue [10:20] with us is a faster path, and that is the path. [10:24] Why? Because it is expected that we would concede concessions. [10:30] So that is not about agreements. [10:33] But it is, though, extraordinary, though, is it not? [10:42] Every other Western leader pretty much says clearly, repeatedly, [10:49] that your country was the victim of an illegal invasion. [10:53] They clearly have given [10:55] an expression that you must be protected until the end of this conflict. [11:01] It's not just about giving a deal. [11:02] And you don't feel that President Trump shares that view? [11:06] I think so. President Trump, maybe he and his team have chosen for themselves a certain strategy. [11:18] They have chosen a strategy to have a close dialogue with Putin, not to irritate him, [11:23] because Europe irritated him and Putin does not want to talk to Europe. [11:27] Not to be completely on the Ukrainian side, because Europe stood on the side of Ukraine defending us. [11:32] And look, Putin says that he doesn't want to have anything to do with Europe. [11:36] And Trump said that he will be between us, [11:39] he as negotiator, and he will not be on any side. [11:44] So he's not on any side. [11:46] That's what he demonstrates, that he is a mediator. [11:50] That is what is happening. [11:52] I have always spoken openly about this. [11:55] We all in Ukraine wanted President Trump [11:57] to be on our side, because I believe that if more countries are on the side of Ukraine, [12:02] that means increasing pressure on Russia. [12:04] But America has its own strategy. [12:07] Europe has a strategy of its own. [12:10] It's their choice. [12:11] This is an increase in pressure on Russia. [12:13] And I think that only pressure works on Russia. [12:17] But America has its own strategy, Europe has its own. [12:20] Let's choose it. [12:23] Do you think that in any way [12:27] Vladimir Putin is ready to do a deal [12:29] from anything that you have seen? [12:36] No, he's not ready to sign any agreement. [12:38] He wants us to sign an ultimatum with all [12:41] those future risks that he understands, by the way. [12:44] He understands that just our leaving Donbass for sure means dividing our society. [12:50] He understands that if there is a division in society in Ukraine, it can be used against us. [12:55] And it has already happened, not just once in our country. [12:59] We are focusing on uniting our society using [13:02] these or other steps, and he's focusing on dividing. [13:05] Why? A divided country is a weak country. [13:08] And he could introduce whatever he wants and to continue with further occupation. [13:15] And you will never do that. [13:17] You will never accept that for as long as you are the president of Ukraine. [13:22] I am the president of Ukraine. [13:24] How can I agree to such things? [13:26] We are ready to take steps for compromises, especially if America is engaged. [13:31] But America is not seeking large [13:34] compromises on the part of Russia. [13:36] It says that they're making compromises. [13:38] But in my opinion, Russia is not making any compromises. [13:42] Everything he wanted, the main goals, he did not achieve them. [13:46] He wants to capture Donbass. [13:47] This was his first main goal from the very beginning. [13:51] Then additional goals appeared. [13:53] But the first goal was a total occupation of the east of our country. [13:57] Next, he wanted recognition of the territories that are currently occupied, [14:01] recognizing them as Russian. Therefore, I'm sure that [14:05] he does not want to just stop. [14:08] But it does not mean that he cannot be stopped. [14:11] I'm honestly saying that. [14:14] In terms then of what you need to see the West do to step up to help to bring this [14:19] conflict to a close, obviously the UK has been a proud backer [14:23] of Ukraine since the beginning of this conflict. [14:26] But what extra, what else do you need right now in order to bring us to a close? [14:32] First, a fair attitude to all regimes. [14:36] If there is a sort of attitude towards Maduro or regime in Iran, [14:40] then it should be the same attitude towards the Russian regime. [14:44] Because the attitude of those people towards the policy of the West or towards [14:47] human rights, towards freedom or their threats to use nuclear weapons and other [14:52] types of weapons, they just don't differ. [14:54] I always believe that with any issue, one must be honest, open and fair. [15:00] Just be consistent. [15:01] I think that's the most important thing. [15:04] Thank you. [15:06] So you would see, you would like America and European allies to go and take out [15:16] Putin like they took out, like the Americans took out Maduro in Venezuela, [15:20] like the US and Israel are now going after Iran? [15:23] No, I believe, look, that will be step two, removing the problem or removing the regime. [15:30] But I am talking about the first step. [15:33] I am saying step one is when people try [15:36] to solve the issues diplomatically. [15:39] So the first step to solve problems diplomatically should be the strong one [15:43] to give Putin the same conditions as other regimes. [15:47] Speak with him, meet and say, look, you kill people. [15:51] You illegally kill people. [15:53] You are on other people's territory. [15:55] You have killed a large number of people and you continue with the war. [16:00] You are threatening to use nuclear weapons. [16:03] You say openly that you will use nuclear weapons. [16:06] Something in the war is going against you. [16:09] What do you mean by that? [16:11] Who do you want to use nuclear weapons against? [16:14] How is this regime different from Iran? [16:20] But people are now seeing turmoil right around the world. [16:23] President Trump took out Maduro in Venezuela. [16:26] President Trump and Israel are attacking Iran, causing chaos and conflict across [16:30] the Middle East with a war that you say is making life harder for Ukraine. [16:35] Do you believe that President Trump, [16:36] and his actions have made the world more dangerous? [16:41] I will not have a fair answer to this. [16:46] I will probably not be able to. [16:48] I always try to speak objectively, not subjectively. [16:52] But I have a subjective attitude towards the Iranian regime. [16:57] We went through, you know, we went through difficult relations with Iran, [17:01] a dialogue with Iran, with Iranian officials. [17:05] We went through difficult times and we were [17:08] really losing things. [17:09] We didn't do anything to them. [17:11] They shot down our plane, killed our passengers, the crew of the plane. [17:15] People died. They did not admit it. [17:17] They did not let the experts in. [17:20] Then a full scale war started. [17:22] They handed over the Shahed drones to the Russians and were killing our civilians. [17:27] I wanted to stop all that. [17:28] I asked them. [17:29] They promised that there would be no more than one batch of drones. [17:34] And they carried on lying and giving weapons. [17:37] That's why I think of them as accomplices of Russia. [17:42] So Iran have been doing things that have made your life harder for a long time. [17:50] But we see day after day now President Trump criticizing NATO allies. [17:55] Just as we speak again this afternoon, [17:57] criticizing Keir Starmer, criticizing Emmanuel Macron. [18:00] You know what it's like to be criticized by President Trump. [18:03] Do you believe that he has created a world that is more full of turmoil, [18:09] that is harder for leaders to navigate? [18:11] I believe that America is stronger with Europe. [18:21] I believe that there's no NATO without America and NATO doesn't exist without Europe. [18:27] And I don't want to argue with anyone about who contributed more, the US or Europe, [18:32] who gave more. They should not argue. [18:35] This is not a competition. [18:36] America and Europe are one civilized world. [18:39] And despite distances, they have the same values and solutions. [18:44] The fact is that NATO is a defensive alliance and is defending each other's countries. [18:50] Therefore, I believe that any split in NATO will weaken both sides. [18:56] I would really like President Trump to meet with Starmer, [18:59] with the main countries so that they have a common position. [19:04] We want to be allies with that kind of NATO, a strong NATO where everyone respects one another and is ready to defend. [19:14] We want to be allies with that kind of NATO, a strong NATO where everyone respects one another and is ready to defend. [19:19] They are obviously, though, at the moment, having all sorts of differences of opinion. [19:23] I mean, day after day, President Trump is railing against his allies. [19:28] You know what that's like. [19:29] But does it worry you that the way that President Trump seems to be behaving [19:35] is he is not creating respectful, healthy relationships between the Western allies? [19:42] Or did you have any advice for Keir Starmer when you saw him today after [19:46] you'd been criticised by President Trump? [19:47] He's now getting that, too. [20:03] Britain, the United States are, in my opinion, the main allies who represent [20:09] the whole of Europe and the bridge between Europe and America. [20:13] And by all means, they can't be one without the other. [20:16] I mean, the countries. [20:17] We, the leaders, can be changed, but the society and the relationship between those [20:22] countries should not be destroyed and lost. [20:33] You say there, leaders come and go. [20:36] You said previously you would be willing to give up your position in exchange for NATO membership for Ukraine. [20:43] Do you still believe that you still would step aside? [20:46] Would you step aside if it appeared that somebody else might be more likely to get a deal? [20:51] I'm ready. I'm ready. [20:52] Absolutely. [20:53] Absolutely. [20:54] I'm ready. [20:55] I'm ready. [20:56] I'm ready. [20:58] If Ukraine was in NATO, in the right, strong, healthy union, [21:02] if NATO increased the power of the countries, if they respected our army not [21:07] only in words, support is there, I'm grateful. [21:10] But if it was recognised that our army [21:13] today is one of the strongest, which could only strengthen NATO, [21:18] obviously, I would think that I did everything then. [21:21] If Ukraine is in NATO, the war is over. [21:23] The war is over. [21:24] If we are in a strong NATO union, then I think so. [21:28] In principle, in my opinion, this is the main thing. [21:32] I can't tell Trump what to do. [21:34] Kiev is a smart and very cool partner. [21:36] Absolutely. [21:37] We know there are emotions in everyone at different times. [21:40] I think that Kiev, he's in touch with President Trump. [21:43] He can meet with him and reload the relationship again. [21:47] It happens. [21:48] I don't see a big problem. [21:49] To be honest, I do not see a big challenge. [21:52] . [21:53] . [21:54] Your history is stronger than the emotions of two or three people. [21:58] Your history is simply stronger. [22:00] You are a war leader, the president of your own country, but you're also a family man. [22:09] And we've had the pleasure of interviewing [22:11] the first lady of Ukraine on a couple of occasions. [22:14] I just wonder, when were you last able to see your children who are becoming young [22:18] adults through this now long war? [22:20] . [22:26] Young people. [22:26] Yes, yes. [22:28] My daughter is only 21 years old. [22:31] She's no longer a child. [22:32] She's beautiful. [22:33] I love her very much. [22:35] And I'm very glad that she's the kind of person she is. [22:38] It is important that she has her own personality. [22:42] She has a personality. It's cool. [22:44] She studies at the university. [22:46] She will soon graduate from the university. [22:48] But nevertheless, I see I see what she does, what she loves, what her passions are. [22:55] . [22:56] I see it as, you know, there is a video, but there is also a photo. [23:02] A video is when you have time. [23:04] Yes, a lot. [23:05] Like when you watch a movie. [23:07] But photo is moments. [23:10] And that's why all my meetings with my wife and my children are beautiful. [23:15] But so far, these are beautiful photos, [23:17] beautiful moments because there is no time. [23:20] And the son needs a father, probably even a little bit more now because he's 13 years [23:26] old. [23:29] And the first lady told us your son wanted to be a soldier when he grew up at the [23:34] beginning of the war, does he still want to be a soldier like so many young men in Ukraine? [23:39] This is a choice, a choice what to do. [23:45] For me, the most important thing is the choice to be in Ukraine. [23:49] For us, I'm sure that the war will end. [23:52] But even after the war, we need youth in the country. [23:55] For this, we need better conditions. [23:57] Well, we are trying very hard, especially my wife. [24:00] She spends most of the time raising the children. [24:04] I think she does it at such a great level. [24:07] Very right. Very motherly. [24:09] They are very patriotic children. [24:11] They love Ukraine very much. [24:13] This is the most important thing. [24:15] This is such an emotion to understand who [24:19] you are, what you are and the choice of who you will be. [24:23] And this is their only choice. [24:31] And do you ever think of life after the war? [24:37] Of course, I live this. [24:39] I live in war because I want to end it. [24:42] I don't live in a war as a president because I want it to continue. [24:46] I'm a person who thinks about the future. [24:49] That's why I want a stable peace for Ukraine, because I want peace. [24:54] I want life. [24:55] I want, how to say, to get pleasure from life with people, with time, to enjoy [25:01] spending some time with people. [25:04] That's what I love. That's what I want. [25:06] More time, more enjoyment. [25:09] President Zelensky, thanks so much to you for speaking to the BBC today. [25:16] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.