Zelenskyy warns of "Afghanistan 2.0" if US yields to Russia
In an interview with the German public broadcaster ARD, Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that a possible scenario for Ukraine might be "Afghanistan 2.0" if the United States compromises on key demands Russia poses. He also suggested that he not step down from the presidency until Ukraine is accepted into the EU and NATO.
- I am ready to do everything for peace in Ukraine - emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a conversation with ARD. He added that Russia wants to get rid of him at all costs because he is inconvenient for Putin.
- If tomorrow Ukraine is admitted to the EU and NATO, I will no longer be needed. But until that happens, I will defend my country - he assured, suggesting that he does not intend to step down from his position earlier.
Talks between the US and Russia: "Afghanistan 2.0" in Ukraine?
On Tuesday, in the capital of Saudi Arabia, representatives of Russia and the US held negotiations regarding Ukraine without its participation, which Zelenskyy has previously criticized. Moscow demanded that NATO withdraw its promise made in 2008 that Ukraine would one day become a member of the alliance. It also demanded, among other things, that elections be held in Ukraine, hoping to replace Zelenskyy with a more "flexible" candidate. US President Donald Trump officially supported this demand.
In an interview with the German broadcaster, Zelenskyy compared the US-Russian meeting in Riyadh to the negotiations regarding the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, which opened the door for the Taliban to return to power. The United States negotiated directly with the Taliban, excluding the American-supported Afghan government.
- I do not think that anybody is interested in Afghanistan 2.0 - Zelenskyy said in an interview aired before the conclusion of talks in Saudi Arabia. - We remember what happened in Afghanistan when the Americans left in a hurry - he added.
