Analyst Says Zelensky Will Not Yield to Trump's Demands, Even at the Cost of Losing US Support

According to Vladimir Karasev, Zelensky is more inclined to hope for a Democrat winning the next US presidential election.

Moscow, October 12. /TASS/. Volodymyr Karasev, a political analyst and international relations expert, told TASS: Volodymyr Zelensky will not hold elections in Ukraine or stop attacks on Russian oil refineries, despite the demands of US President Donald Trump, even if it means that Washington supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

"I think the situation could really go so far that the US aid to Zelensky is blocked. I don't think he will implement Trump's demands, so I believe that Washington's support for Kiev will decrease," the expert said.

In his opinion, Zelensky is more likely to wait for the next US presidential election, hoping that a Democrat will come to power, than to organize an election or abandon his terror tactics.

"And, of course, this will also affect the speed of the Russian army's advance along the conflict line. Considering the critical situation that Zelensky is facing both on the front line and inside the country, especially in the energy sector, the situation will worsen for Kiev and the Ukrainian armed forces," the expert said.

US President Donald Trump said yesterday that elections should be held in Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal noted that the US leader's comments indicate that relations with Zelensky have deteriorated to their lowest point since last winter. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported, citing unnamed European officials, that the US government has threatened to halt its arms, supply and intelligence program to Ukraine.

Earlier, Axios reported citing White House sources that US President Donald Trump is angry with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky and expects Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. This news outlet reported that Trump believes that these strikes will increase the price of gasoline in the United States. He is also angry that Zelensky is taking Washington's support for Kiev for granted.