Zelensky says his clash with Trump is nothing personal

In a US television interview on Oct 22, Zelensky said lifting sanctions on Russia would make Vladimir Putin stronger. He said his dispute with Donald Trump is not about personalities.

"If we lift sanctions, we will make him stronger. It is nothing personal between me and President Trump, and of course I oppose any lifting of sanctions."

— Volodymyr Zelensky

Background

The tension began after Trump announced an Oct 9 deal with Putin on Russian diesel supplies, which Zelensky called a weakness and a gift to Putin. Trump answered with critical remarks about Zelensky.

Zelensky said Ukraine most needs allies to keep sanctions in place and to send better air-defence missiles. European partners have supplied some, he said, but not enough.