We understand Russia better than US, Zelensky's remarks spark global stir

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a major statement, asserting that his country understands the mindset of Russia and President Vladimir Putin much better than the United States. He noted that while he and US President Donald Trump share the ultimate goal of ending the Russia-Ukraine war, both leaders hold differing views on the methods required to achieve lasting peace. Zelensky made these remarks during an interview with the British newspaper The Sun on Wednesday. According to him, Ukraine's long historical experience with Russia gives it a unique advantage in comprehending the psychology of the Russian leadership. These fresh statements by the Ukrainian president have generated significant global attention and stirred diplomatic discussions worldwide.

Vladimir Putin's mindset is rooted in Soviet era

During the interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that when it comes to ending the war, President Trump and he are on the same side, but their approaches to achieving this goal are quite distinct. Highlighting Putin's outlook, Zelensky mentioned that both Putin's mentality and his operational reality are heavily influenced by the Soviet era. These comments by the Ukrainian leader have sparked widespread global discourse. Zelensky explicitly stated in his remarks that his generation was born in the Soviet Union, which allows him to understand this specific mindset and its inner workings thoroughly and clearly.

When Putin lies, we immediately sense it

Elaborating further, the Ukrainian president said that whenever Putin tells public lies, they immediately feel and recognize it. He explained that they've been neighbors with the Russians for so many years, which is precisely why he believes they understand Russians much more clearly than the United States does. Ukraine's direct, close, and long-standing experience with Russia gives it a distinct edge in understanding every behavior and diplomatic maneuver of the Russian leadership, while it's this neighborhood experience that provides Ukraine with a grounded perspective distinct from the American viewpoint.

Mention of Putin's fear and the risk of imprisonment

Clarifying his stance further, Zelensky pointed out that while the US may engage in talks with Russia keeping global security in mind, Ukraine understands not only Putin but also the psychology of Russian soldiers and ordinary citizens. He stated that they know very well when these soldiers are ready to do something and when they do it simply out of fear of Putin. The Russian troops are fully aware that they face a severe risk of imprisonment, and if they don't go to Ukraine to kill, Putin will take action against them in his own way.

Agreement with Trump on some issues, differences on others

Discussing bilateral relations with the United States, Zelensky openly admitted that strategic differences exist between the two nations, while he stated that while President Donald Trump has supported them on certain crucial issues, their views differ Importantly on other matters. Zelensky's statement came at a sensitive time, just a day after US First Lady Melania Trump announced the implementation of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid.

What did Melania Trump write on social media?

US First Lady Melania Trump released a detailed statement on social media platform X, writing that the ceasefire has begun. The ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine took effect on October 27, 2026, at 4 AM Moscow time. It was implemented two days ahead of schedule to ensure the protection of civilians and to deliver essential humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions. Melania further stated that the geographical scope of the ceasefire has been extended beyond Oleshky in the Kherson region to provide a safe passage for humanitarian convoys. According to Melania, General Valery Vasilyevich, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, also confirmed this ceasefire agreement.