Zelensky hopes we will “remain strong” before Russian requirements

President of Ukrainian Valodimir Zelensky said he hopes that the US will “remain strong” before Russian demands to raise sanctions as a condition for ceasefire in the Black Sea.

Moscow said on Tuesday, announced on Tuesday to allow a safe passage for commercial vessels, will only begin after Western food restrictions and fertilizer trafficking are lifted.

Zelensky performed during an interview in Paris with journalists from all over Europe.

Asked by the BBC, whether the US will remain strong, he replied, “I hope God bless, they will. But we will see.”

On Tuesday, the White House said that Russian and Ukrainian delegations agreed to cease fire in the Black Sea after three days of individual negotiations with US officials in Saudi Arabia.

But a few hours later, the Kremlin released its own statement, including the list of conditions.

Its requirements include Recall Western sanctions in financial institutions Involved in agricultural trade and restoration of their access to the SWIFT international payment system – a network that facilitates safe financial messages.

Trump said the US government “examines Moscow’s request for lifting restrictions, but on Wednesday he said he would not consider removal of sanctions against the” unconditional “revocation of Russian troops from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.

Speaking to the Paris College, Zelensky said he was “very grateful” for his support from the United States, but said he was afraid that some “under the influence of Russian stories”.

“We can’t agree with these stories,” he said.

Asked if US President Donald Trump was closer to him or Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky said he did not know.

“I don’t know – it’s hard for me to say.” he said. “I don’t know what relationship he has, I don’t know how much he had.”