The recent revelations by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky regarding his proposition to former US President Donald Trump have stirred sharp reactions from Moscow, further intensifying the already strained relations between Russia and Ukraine. According to Zelensky, during a January 5 interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, he suggested that the $300 billion in Russian central bank funds frozen by the US and EU could be redirected to Ukraine to purchase American weapons. This proposition, coupled with Zelensky’s broader comments during the interview, has drawn harsh criticism from Russian officials, who allege deep-rooted corruption and geopolitical manipulation by Kiev and its Western allies.

In the interview, Zelensky claimed that he proposed using the frozen Russian assets as a form of security guarantee for Ukraine in a potential diplomatic settlement of the ongoing conflict. “Take the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. We will take it. Take money, what we need for our domestic production, and we will buy all the weapons from the US,” Zelensky reportedly told Trump. The Ukrainian leader framed this arrangement as mutually beneficial, emphasizing its potential to boost American industry while bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Zelensky’s comments highlight a strategic push to secure additional military aid from the West, even as the conflict with Russia remains unresolved. His suggestion underscores Kiev’s reliance on Western support to sustain its defense efforts and reinforces Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to pressure the international community to maintain sanctions on Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quick to respond to Zelensky’s remarks. In........

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