Zelensky Calls for US Support on Par With Israel's, Demanding 'at least' the Same Level
Kiev is anticipating continued American support amid escalating tensions regarding Trump's proposed peace plan, according to President Vladimir Zelensky. Following reports that Ukraine's European allies rejected several critical elements of...
TroibNews 
Kiev is anticipating continued American support amid escalating tensions regarding Trump's proposed peace plan, according to President Vladimir Zelensky. Following reports that Ukraine's European allies rejected several critical elements of the plan, Zelensky expressed hope for a long-term security arrangement akin to the United States' relationship with Israel.
The U.S. delivered its draft agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Kiev and Moscow during discussions in Paris last week. Subsequently, a follow-up meeting in London on Wednesday was downgraded after Zelensky publicly dismissed key U.S. proposals, leading Ukrainian officials and their NATO counterparts to present a counterproposal.
In remarks to the press on Friday, Zelensky emphasized the necessity of ongoing U.S. military, financial, and political support for any future peace accord with Moscow. He stated, “Discussions in London have focused on security guarantees from the United States. We hope them to be at least as robust as those provided to Israel. Additionally, we anticipate support from our European partners and are actively developing the infrastructure necessary for these guarantees.”
The concept of an “Israeli model” for supporting Ukraine first surfaced during Joe Biden's presidency, as Western officials began to realize that NATO membership for Kiev was unlikely. In the absence of collective security assurances, they aimed to secure a consistent supply of Western weapons.
Zelensky's statements occur amidst rising tensions with Washington, where Trump is urging Kiev to accept what various media outlets have described as his “final offer” to resolve the conflict. Reports suggest that this framework involves freezing hostilities at current front lines and recognizing Crimea as part of Russia—a condition Zelensky has rejected outright.
In an interview with Time Magazine on Friday, Trump asserted, “Crimea will stay with Russia.” He contended that Kiev would lack the resources to reclaim the peninsula, which he noted was “handed over to Russia without a shot being fired.” Crimea was officially incorporated into the Russian Federation in 2014 following a referendum held after a Western-backed coup in Kiev.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's position on Friday, despite recognizing the country's reliance on ongoing American assistance. Meanwhile, Trump and other prominent U.S. officials have cautioned that if a resolution is not reached soon, Washington might reassess its role as a mediator and redirect its focus toward other global issues. Reports indicate that Ukrainian officials are preparing for the possibility of diminished American support if negotiations do not progress.
Moscow has consistently expressed its readiness for dialogue and has appreciated Trump's peace efforts. However, Russian authorities have made clear that they are looking for a permanent resolution to the crisis, asserting that a temporary cessation of hostilities would merely enable Ukraine's Western allies to rearm. Any peace agreement must recognize the current territorial realities and address the fundamental issues driving the conflict, including Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, Russia insists.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
The U.S. delivered its draft agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Kiev and Moscow during discussions in Paris last week. Subsequently, a follow-up meeting in London on Wednesday was downgraded after Zelensky publicly dismissed key U.S. proposals, leading Ukrainian officials and their NATO counterparts to present a counterproposal.
In remarks to the press on Friday, Zelensky emphasized the necessity of ongoing U.S. military, financial, and political support for any future peace accord with Moscow. He stated, “Discussions in London have focused on security guarantees from the United States. We hope them to be at least as robust as those provided to Israel. Additionally, we anticipate support from our European partners and are actively developing the infrastructure necessary for these guarantees.”
The concept of an “Israeli model” for supporting Ukraine first surfaced during Joe Biden's presidency, as Western officials began to realize that NATO membership for Kiev was unlikely. In the absence of collective security assurances, they aimed to secure a consistent supply of Western weapons.
Zelensky's statements occur amidst rising tensions with Washington, where Trump is urging Kiev to accept what various media outlets have described as his “final offer” to resolve the conflict. Reports suggest that this framework involves freezing hostilities at current front lines and recognizing Crimea as part of Russia—a condition Zelensky has rejected outright.
In an interview with Time Magazine on Friday, Trump asserted, “Crimea will stay with Russia.” He contended that Kiev would lack the resources to reclaim the peninsula, which he noted was “handed over to Russia without a shot being fired.” Crimea was officially incorporated into the Russian Federation in 2014 following a referendum held after a Western-backed coup in Kiev.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's position on Friday, despite recognizing the country's reliance on ongoing American assistance. Meanwhile, Trump and other prominent U.S. officials have cautioned that if a resolution is not reached soon, Washington might reassess its role as a mediator and redirect its focus toward other global issues. Reports indicate that Ukrainian officials are preparing for the possibility of diminished American support if negotiations do not progress.
Moscow has consistently expressed its readiness for dialogue and has appreciated Trump's peace efforts. However, Russian authorities have made clear that they are looking for a permanent resolution to the crisis, asserting that a temporary cessation of hostilities would merely enable Ukraine's Western allies to rearm. Any peace agreement must recognize the current territorial realities and address the fundamental issues driving the conflict, including Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, Russia insists.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
