Zelenskyy Warns Trump Against Pushing Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire, Calling it a 'Trap'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned former US President Donald Trump about pressuring Ukraine into a ceasefire with Russia, stating “it would be a trap”.

In an excerpt from his interview with the Guardian, Zelenskyy conveyed his concerns: "When (Putin) gains strength, he might issue an ultimatum – to recognize all occupied territories, to stay out of NATO, to forget about European integration. And there will be many such conditions, depending on how strong he is at that moment. Therefore, a ceasefire is a trap."

Zelenskyy doubted Trump's desire to be remembered as the "loser" to Russia in the war.

He asked reporters to envision a scenario in which Trump, as president, opted to end the war at Ukraine's expense: "Somehow, in dialogue, he [Trump] might get confirmation from Putin that this is the end, that this is it. Ukrainians will not accept this, but he might then say: 'Well, that’s it, I am giving you no support, no weapons, no finances.' He might negotiate with some partners, and they might also stop."

“Of course, Ukraine, without weapons, barehanded, cannot fight against a multi-million-strong army. Let’s imagine that,” remarked Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly reiterated that Kyiv would not relinquish territories for the sake of ending the war.

Trump had previously stated that he wouldn't commit to providing defense assistance to Ukraine if elected in 2024.

“I want everybody to stop dying. They’re dying. Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying,” Trump said. “And I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”

Zelenskyy holds the view that such an approach would sanction further attacks, effectively erasing the U.S.'s global influence.