Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly dismissed claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports Ukraine’s success, stating bluntly that he does not trust the Russian leader and believes his words are designed to deceive rather than advance peace.

In a Fox News interview aired on December 29, 2025, President Zelensky responded to comments attributed to President-elect Donald Trump suggesting that Putin wants Ukraine to succeed. Zelensky pushed back firmly, saying such statements from Moscow are not genuine and are instead part of a broader effort to ease international pressure on Russia.

“I don’t trust Putin, and he doesn’t want success for Ukraine,” Zelensky said. “He can say such words to Trump, but they are not true.” According to Zelensky, Russia’s messaging is aimed at softening U.S. sanctions while continuing a war that has devastated Ukrainian infrastructure and cost thousands of lives.

Zelensky also rejected the idea that Ukraine could be swayed by economic incentives from Moscow, including offers of cheaper energy. He noted that Russia’s ongoing military aggression has caused far greater economic damage than any potential benefit such proposals could provide. In his view, gestures framed as cooperation are meaningless while Russian forces remain on Ukrainian territory.

The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic activity following a recent peace summit in Florida, where negotiators reportedly made significant progress toward a near-complete 20-point framework. The emerging plan includes U.S. security guarantees and mechanisms intended to deter future Russian aggression, signaling Washington’s continued central role in shaping any lasting settlement.

Zelensky’s comments reflect Kyiv’s deep skepticism toward Moscow’s intentions and underscore Ukraine’s position that peace must be based on verifiable actions, not rhetoric. As discussions continue, the Ukrainian leader made clear that trust will remain elusive as long as Russia’s conduct on the battlefield contradicts its words at the negotiating table.