Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin will "hate" either Joe Biden or Donald Trump if either one is elected president of the United States. Zelenskyy said that both Biden and Trump are supportive of democracy, which is why he believes Putin will dislike both of them.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has argued that no matter whether the Democrats or Republicans come out on top in the November presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin will "hate" them either way.
"[President] Biden and [Donald] Trump are very different," Zelenskyy said Tuesday night. "But they are supportive [of] democracy, and that’s why I think Putin will hate both of them."
Zelenskyy: Putin Will Hate Either Biden or Trump, No Matter Who Wins
Zelenskyy made the comments in response to questions posed by FOX News chief political anchor and executive editor of "Special Report" Bret Baier, after a speech he gave urging the U.S. and its NATO allies to act strongly in the face of Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine.
Questions about the U.S. election and Washington’s role in NATO have mounted since Biden and Trump took to the stage last month for their first debate this election cycle. Biden’s weak performance and Trump’s refusal to answer questions on what U.S. involvement in the alliance would look like, have sparked international concern, particularly as it relates to the war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy: Putin Will Hate Either Biden or Trump, No Matter Who Wins
Putin, in the wake of Biden's comments, says Russia knows "how to defend our own interests."
"The whole world is looking to November," Zelenskyy said. "And truly speaking – Putin awaits November too."
Zelenskyy: Putin Will Hate Either Biden or Trump, No Matter Who Wins
"It’s time to step out of the shadows, to make strong decisions work, to act and not to wait for November or any other month."
Conservative sources have told Fox News Digital that they believe it is unlikely that Trump would pull out of NATO, though concerns remain high that even a diminished presence in the alliance could have devastating effects on European security.
Zelenskyy: Putin Will Hate Either Biden or Trump, No Matter Who Wins
"I hope that the United States will never go out from NATO," Zelenskyy said. "Otherwise, the world will lose a lot of countries."
Security officials have warned that even removing U.S. troops from posts in Europe will have serious consequences – a threat Zelenskyy also reiterated Tuesday night, noting that failing to help Kyiv stop Russia in Ukraine will have costly effects on the U.S. in the future.
Zelenskyy: Putin Will Hate Either Biden or Trump, No Matter Who Wins
"Putin will never stop [in] Ukraine, and you will see it," Zelenskyy said, referencing countries such as Poland and other former Soviet bloc nations.
"And after that, the people and the soldiers of the United States will go and will defend these countries," he said in reference to commitments the U.S. is held to under Article 5 of the NATO charter, which says an attack on one NATO nation will prompt a response from all NATO nations.
"It’s a tragedy for everybody to lose people, sons and daughters," Zelenskyy said. "That’s why I think until the moment Ukraine is strong, all the world pays a low price."
