Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges Donald Trump to see through Russia’s ‘games’
Financial Times
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, has called on Donald Trump to recognize Russia’s tactics as a calculated effort to prolong the conflict. In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelenskyy emphasized that the war is nearing its end because both sides are now compelled to seek a ceasefire. He urged Trump, who previously had strained relations with Kyiv, to see through Moscow’s strategies and push for diplomacy. Zelenskyy’s comments come as global leaders grapple with how to balance economic interests with the demands of war.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia’s actions are designed to create instability and divert attention from its diminishing military capabilities. He warned that continued engagement in the conflict could lead to severe economic consequences for all parties involved, including prolonged sanctions and disrupted supply chains. Zelenskyy’s appeal to Trump highlights the importance of leveraging former U.S. presidents’ influence to bridge gaps between Kyiv and Moscow.
For businesses, this matters because the protracted conflict has already caused significant disruptions in global markets, particularly in energy and commodities. Prolonged instability could lead to further economic uncertainty, making it harder for companies to plan long-term investments. Zelenskyy’s call for a ceasefire underscores
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Originally published on Financial Times on 2/23/2026