'Lifting sanctions will make Putin stronger': Zelenskyy on Trump ties

Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs better missiles as US pushes for peace deal with Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his differences with US President Donald Trump are “not about personalities”, warning that lifting sanctions against Russia would strengthen President Vladimir Putin and undermine efforts to end the war.In an interview with CNN in Kyiv on Thursday, Zelenskyy said he was opposed to easing sanctions on Moscow, arguing that Putin had no intention of ending the conflict.“My attitude to Putin is very clear. I think that if we lift sanctions, we will make him stronger. It’s not something personal between me and President Trump, and of course I’m against any lifting of sanctions.”Relations between Washington and Kyiv have deteriorated in recent weeks. Zelenskyy had criticised Trump as being “on the wrong side of history” after the US president announced a deal to buy Russian fuel, raising concerns over international efforts to isolate Moscow. Trump subsequently waived some sanctions against Russia, drawing criticism even from members of his own party.Ukraine also faced restrictions on access to Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk'...