Called President Trump Ditaktor, President Zelensky: Peace Is More Guaranteed With Europe And America

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said security was more secure with Europe and the United States, after US President Donald Trump called him a dictator.

President Zelensky said on Wednesday he relied on the courage and unity of his compatriots, as well as pragmatism and a "constructive" approach in relations with the United States.

"We stand firmly on our own legs. I rely on the unity of Ukraine, our courage on European unity and American pragmatism," President Zelensky said in his evening video address.

"Because America needs the same success as us," he added.

He further said he would meet with US Envoys for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg on Thursday "and it is imperative to us that this meeting, and the overall cooperation with America, be constructive."

"Together with America and Europe, peace can be more secure and this is our goal. Success brings us together. Our unity is the strongest protection for our future. The future is without (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, but with peace," he said.

President Zelensky made this point after US-Russian negotiations on the settlement of the war without involving Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

His remarks also followed a verbal exchange in which US President Donald Trump described President Zelensky as a "no-election dictatorship" due to Kyiv's rejection of elections in wartime. President Trump also stated that Ukraine was responsible for the 2022 Russian invasion.