Putin Never Wanted Peace, Only Pretended to Negotiate, Zelensky Tells CNN.

Statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

According to UATV: In a CNN interview published on March 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has never genuinely sought an end to the war against Ukraine, instead merely feigning a willingness to engage in talks. Zelensky emphasized that U.S. pressure on Moscow is essential to resolving the conflict. This interview comes amid ongoing international efforts to mediate a ceasefire.

Economic Consequences of the War

Zelensky also highlighted the economic toll Russia is expected to face down the line. According to him, Russia could suffer a deficit exceeding $100 billion in 2026 as a result of sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. This underscores the significant impact international economic measures are having on the Russian economy.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian president noted that Russia earned roughly $10 billion during two weeks of conflict in the Middle East. He pointed out that the situation surrounding Iran is generating additional revenue for Putin, which he described as a dangerous development.

'This gives Putin more confidence that he can continue the war,' the Ukrainian president stressed.

Zelensky thus underscores the need to maintain pressure on Russia in order to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

President Zelensky's remarks highlight the importance of continued international support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Given Russia's projected economic losses, sanctions could become a critical tool for curbing Kremlin aggression. The Middle East situation, which is generating extra income for Russia, reveals the complexity of global dynamics where economic interests can shape political decisions. This reinforces the need for international coordination to effectively address the conflict.