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Zelenskyy Talks Peace, US Aid, and Russian Threats in Kyiv Interview With Ben Shapiro
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
On April 24, in a newly released interview filmed in the heart of Ukraine’s capital, US political commentator Ben Shapiro sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a two-part special titled My Journey to Ukraine and My Interview With Zelenskyy.
Speaking in front of the historic Saint Sophia Cathedral, Zelenskyy addressed questions on his recent high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump, ongoing US military support, and Ukraine’s position in defending democratic values.
US relations and strategic cooperation
Shapiro opened by referencing President Zelenskyy’s February 28 meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Asked to reflect on that exchange, Zelenskyy stated:
“It did not help Ukraine. It did not help the United States. I think that we will have more fruitful meetings with President Trump. But you have to understand that Ukraine … [is] defending against Russia’s offense, and we believe Russia is an enemy.”
Emphasizing the strategic importance of bilateral ties, Zelenskyy continued:
“We consider [the] United States as a strong strategic partner with an influence, and we would really like to have peace through strength. That would be useful with Russia because they’re the aggressor.”
Addressing reports of pressure for Ukraine to consider a peace proposal involving recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s firm stance:
“I highly respect the fact that he’s searching for [peace]. That’s his approach,” he said of Trump. “But you shouldn’t be saying that Ukraine … started this war. I believe that it’s painful for our people to hear. This is why we responded this way.”
Aid accountability and oversight
Zelenskyy also addressed concerns related to the management and transparency of US assistance:
“I have my own internal audit, and my country is clearly documenting how [much] assistance was provided,” he said.
He described efforts by both Ukrainian and US authorities to ensure proper allocation of aid:
“We were seeing in the very beginning of the war that Russia attempted to undermine the support and assistance coming from the United States, and they wanted to undermine this through fake news, through other tools. That is why we told it once that we are open, send inspectors.”
He added that there is no indication that US military aid has been misdirected. “There is no evidence that any US weapons packages sent to Ukraine wound up somewhere abroad,” he said.
Zelenskyy pointed out that the cooperation has also benefited US military innovation. “The United States [has] received complete and open information on the drones. This is the new weapons that was not available to the United States,” he explained. “Now the United States [has] received all this experience, all this development.”
Geopolitical role and security implications
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s role as a frontline state in deterring broader aggression.
“The Russians will always want and desire the destruction of the United States,” he said. “We were born in the Soviet Union. We had it all growing up in schools. This is the policy of the Soviet Union. We are fighting for your rights just as our own.”
Religious freedom and national security
Shapiro raised the topic of religious freedom, including allegations of pressure on the Russian Orthodox Church. In response, Zelenskyy referenced a recent meeting with representatives of 15 religious denominations, which form the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
“We have a meeting like that a couple of times per year, and I truly visit some of the churches’ sites,” he said. “I believe that what Ukraine has is the largest council of churches in Europe. All of our churches are united — different religions, different believers, and everyone is united.”
While asserting that Ukraine supports religious freedom, Zelenskyy acknowledged that national security concerns had prompted action against some institutions:
“The Moscow church is just another agency of the KGB ,” he said. “Everyone knows that Russia’s special services are in control of the church.”
He clarified that churches are not being closed but should be independent from foreign influence:
“Sophia is older than Russia’s capital city and any churches they have,” he said, referencing the cathedral behind them. “That’s the answer. We shouldn’t be having any disputes. We have scientific evidence. We are just saying that our church should be free from any authorities. It’s free for the people.”
The second part of the interview is expected to be released on April 25.
On April 24, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will not accept a “frozen conflict,” warning that such an outcome would merely postpone further hostilities during a joint press conference with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
