Zelensky Rejects Forgiveness for Putin in Tense Podcast Interview

Ukrainian president denounces compromise with Russia while expressing confidence in Trump’s potential role in securing peace.

Volodymyr Zelensky, in a three-hour interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, strongly rejected the idea of forgiving Vladimir Putin, calling him a murderer responsible for immense suffering in Ukraine.
Zelensky criticized the notion of compromising with Russia, arguing that Putin’s actions, including sending young soldiers to die, demonstrate a lack of love for his own people.
The Ukrainian president expressed hope that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could negotiate a peace deal with strong security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
Zelensky revealed his proposal to use $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to purchase American weapons, emphasizing Ukraine’s willingness to pay rather than rely on free aid.
Throughout the interview, Zelensky showcased a more candid side, using humor and direct language to address key issues, including corruption, NATO membership, and peace negotiations.