Zelenskyy asks US candidates: “Are they prepared for war?”

Ukrainian President Challenges Republican Politicians on Ukraine-Russia Conflict

In a recent interview with NBC News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed concerns raised by Republican politicians who are hesitant to support Ukraine’s military against Russia.

Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive and his requests for additional weapons and aircraft for Ukrainian forces. During the interview, NBC correspondent Richard Engel asked Zelenskyy to respond to Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis’s characterization of the conflict as a “territorial dispute” and Donald Trump’s vow to quickly end the conflict and seek peace.

“If any candidate thinks supporting Ukraine is too costly, are they ready to go to war? Are they ready to fight? Send their children? Die?” Zelenskyy challenged. “They will have to do it anyway if NATO enters this war, and if Ukraine fails and Russia occupies us, they will move on to the Baltics or Poland or some other NATO country. And then the U.S. will have to choose between keeping NATO or entering the war.”

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s fight is beneficial for NATO nations like the United States.

“I wonder if those candidates realize the price Ukraine is paying in this war,” the Ukrainian president added.

Engel also asked Zelenskyy about his concerns regarding the 2024 U.S. presidential election and its impact on Ukraine.

“The American people will choose the most worthy president and we will support this choice. And that’s normal and fair,” Zelenskyy replied. “Of course, some statements from representatives of specific groups and politicians calling for diminished support of Ukraine, yes that does worry us. I think that’s a big risk for Ukraine. It’s not the person at the top, it’s the change of policy we want to avoid. I believe that won’t happen.”

Trump, DeSantis, RFK Jr. Seek Ukraine Settlement

Contrary to Zelenskyy’s stance, both Trump and DeSantis have advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict instead of further arming and funding Ukraine’s military.

In a response to a questionnaire from Tucker Carlson, DeSantis stated that the United States should not become further entangled in the territorial dispute and that peace should be the objective.

DeSantis also expressed skepticism about the extent of Russia’s threat beyond Ukraine, considering their progress in the war as a loss.

Last month, DeSantis reiterated his call for a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

Similarly, Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution and an end to the loss of lives.