The president noted that Ukraine's European allies lack the military capacity to effectively deter the Russian military threat.
“This cannot happen without the United States,” said Zelenskyy.
“Even if some European friends think it's possible, it's not. No one will take the risk without the United States.”
He warned that a lack of long-term support for Ukraine from Western allies could give Russian dictator Vladimir Putin the chance to use a ceasefire to rebuild military strength and prepare for a new invasion.
“The end of the war should be a victory for [U.S. President Donald] Trump, not Putin,” the president added.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that before engaging in direct talks with the Russian dictator, he needs security guarantees from Washington.
“The only question is what security guarantees, and frankly, I want clarity before negotiations,” he said.
“If he [Trump] can guarantee stable and irreversible security for Ukraine, we will pursue this diplomatic path.”
The president added that it would take at least 200,000 peacekeepers to deter Moscow from starting a new war in the future.