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Zelenskyy: Trump Must See that Putin is Lying—Ukraine Not the One Blocking Peace
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the United States to implement a powerful new sanctions package against Russia and to convince President Donald Trump that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is not acting in good faith regarding peace negotiations.
In an interview with Der Spiegel on May 13, Zelenskyy said Trump must understand that “Putin is lying,” and that it is Russia—not Ukraine—that is obstructing peace talks.
“Trump must come to the conclusion that Putin is lying. And we must approach the issue rationally and show that we are not the ones who are slowing down the process,” he said.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is doing everything possible to show the international community, including the US, that Moscow is unwilling to engage sincerely in efforts to end the war.
He said this would increase pressure on the Kremlin from multiple sides. He also confirmed expectations of a strong US sanctions package, calling it “very dangerous for Russians.”
Zelenskyy noted that there is political momentum in the US Congress for passing additional sanctions and that upcoming consultations with European partners would clarify the contents of the proposed measures.
Zelenskyy also addressed the prospect of peace talks in Istanbul, initiated after Russia proposed negotiations supported by Trump. The Ukrainian leader said he is prepared to meet Putin in person, although he remains skeptical that the Russian leader will attend.
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Zelenskyy has scheduled a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara and stated he would be willing to relocate to Istanbul if needed. “If Putin comes, we’ll fly to Istanbul. Erdoğan will go with me,” he said.
However, Zelenskyy emphasized that any meeting with Putin should yield tangible political results, such as a ceasefire or a large-scale prisoner exchange. “If Putin does not attend, it means he does not seek a political resolution,” he added.
The Ukrainian president responded swiftly to Trump’s recent public call to accept Putin’s ceasefire offer, announcing a trip to Turkey within an hour of Trump’s post.
Zelenskyy clarified that his statement included both the concept of a ceasefire and negotiations, indicating Ukraine’s willingness to engage, though he admitted the move was made independently of recent consultations with European leaders.
He praised French President Emmanuel Macron for his proactive and risk-tolerant approach, noting regular communication between them.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of the so-called E3 format—France, Germany, and the UK—which he said now acts with increased unity in supporting Ukraine.
Zelenskyy confirmed that the May 10 visit to Kyiv by leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Poland, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marked a significant show of solidarity. He likened the meeting to earlier high-level visits that preceded Ukraine’s candidacy for EU membership.
Earlier on May 13, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament that Vladimir Putin is avoiding peace negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing that any talks must be preceded by a ceasefire. Lammy noted that UK and European leaders had urged President Trump to remain firm in supporting Ukraine, calling out Putin for deliberately stalling diplomatic efforts.
