Putin's real fear: Economic collapse, not the west
- If we’re being honest, they want to do to us exactly what they did in Chechnya—completely destroy it and then make it part of their sphere of influence. That’s what they did in Georgia—first, they created a frozen conflict, then they installed their own people to govern. That’s always been their approach. They essentially did the same in Belarus, said Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. He emphasized that the Kremlin is not afraid of a war with the West. "What alarms Putin" is something else.
In a conversation with British journalist Piers Morgan, Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that although Ukraine is in a "better position than at the beginning of the war—but our position remains complex because we are fighting not only against Putin but also for the continued support of our allies."
He warned that the Kremlin views Ukraine the same way it viewed Chechnya or Belarus, wanting to destroy it and turn it into a subordinate territory.
- He doesn’t care who the president here is, as long as it’s someone who opposes Western values, who is against the West, against the European Union—someone who sees NATO as an enemy, just like Russia does, explained Zelensky.
What is Putin afraid of?
- He is afraid that his economy will collapse entirely. He fears the rapid division of his society. And if that happens, he won’t survive, he won’t hold power in the Kremlin. That’s what he fears. These must be very clear signals, pointed out Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In his opinion, Putin will understand the need to end this war "only when he is issued a clear ultimatum."
- If the US and President Trump tell him: "End the war, or Ukraine will receive X, Y and Z," he will heed it. If China tells him: "Stop, or we will cut economic ties, impose sanctions on your banks, and isolate your companies," he will heed it, Zelensky asserted.
Zelensky on elections and puppets
The Ukrainian leader noted that elections will take place after the active phase of the war ends and after martial law is lifted. - Elections will absolutely take place. That’s necessary—we are defending democracy, and that is a fundamental part of it. But understand this: Everyone knows that if we lift martial law now, that’s exactly what Putin wants. It would mean that most of our army would return home—and rightfully so. If there’s no martial law, they’ll go back to their families. And they will. Then who will defend us? What security guarantees will Ukraine have? Why won`t Russia come with occupation again? It will, he emphasized.
He also pointed out that, as president, "he does not fit into Russian plans."
- They need a puppet leader here. They need their man—someone who will run Ukraine on their behalf. And to be honest, that’s how it was before the war. That’s how it used to be when they had the second-largest party in our parliament. They controlled that party entirely, influenced Ukraine’s parliament, and did everything to prevent Ukraine from choosing the European path. he said.
Continued support is crucial
In the same interview, Zelensky once again emphasized that military assistance is crucial.
- While US support hasn't ceased, delays or reductions can lead to territorial losses. Currently, the US contributes about 30 per cent of Ukraine's defence capabilities. Imagine what would happen if we lost that 30 per cent. The consequences would extend beyond Ukraine. If US assistance stops, it will unsettle European leaders and weaken the entire coalition. Not only will we be dependent on US support, but we will also face the risk of disrupting European aid, warned the Ukrainian president.
