Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Fox News that former President Donald Trump’s success in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas gives him “a signal and hope” that the war Russia launched against Ukraine could also be brought to an end.
“This is a real success. I hope that the same pressure President Trump used in the Middle East, he will apply — even more strongly — to pressure Putin to stop his war against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said on The Sunday Briefing.
The president confirmed that he had a phone conversation with Trump, during which they discussed support for Ukraine and the possible transfer of Tomahawk missiles. “We are working on it and waiting for the president’s decision. Of course, we are counting on such a decision — but we’ll see,” he noted.
Zelenskyy also urged Washington to tighten sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its energy and banking sectors, and to introduce secondary sanctions on countries helping Moscow circumvent existing restrictions. “If the United States imposes all possible sanctions, especially on the energy sector, it will seriously limit Russia’s ability to finance its war,” the president emphasized.
He devoted special attention to the issue of deported Ukrainian children. According to him, Russia has illegally taken at least 19,000 Ukrainian children, and only about 1,600 have been returned home. Zelenskyy thanked U.S. First Lady Melania Trump for her involvement in the effort: “We are grateful to her for maintaining contact with Ukraine’s First Lady and supporting this important cause.”
The president also said that Ukraine has developed a new anti-drone defense technology capable of destroying about 68% of enemy Shahed-type drones — calling it the most affordable and effective solution currently available.
Commenting on the recent violations of NATO airspace by Russian drones, Zelenskyy described them as “Putin’s test” for the Alliance:
“He is checking the reaction of Poland and the Baltic states — just as he once tested the West during the annexation of Crimea. This is dangerous because he is preparing Russian society for possible escalation.”
Zelenskyy concluded by saying that if Donald Trump manages to end the war in Ukraine, he “deserves to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2026.”