U.S. must put pressure on Russia so Putin ends the war, Ukrainian official says

Geoff Bennett:

We turn now to Dennis Sienik, the charge d'affaires of Ukraine to the U.S. I spoke with him a short time ago and asked about the evidence Ukraine has that Washington is deliberately withholding intelligence with advance warning of the Russian missiles that hit Kyiv.

Denys Sienik, Ukrainian Deputy Ambassador to the United States: Well, nobody is talking about any deliberate actions. What we are talking about is the mere fact that something has happened.

So, last week, we had situations when Ukraine did not receive early warning, and we informed about it our partners and wanted to establish the facts. And then, unfortunately, it happened again. And we just hope that the technology will work and all the data will be provided later on, so that in the future we will be able to be notified about the future attacks.

Geoff Bennett:

And, specifically, as it relates to SpaceX's Starshield system that plays a critical role in Ukraine's military operations, including those interceptor drones and the longer-range strikes, President Zelensky said again today that access to that communication system has been restricted.

Again, what evidence do you have that that has been deliberate? And do you believe that decision, if so, came from President Trump or Elon Musk, or both?

Denys Sienik:

Well, our specialists can track literally live the speed of the connection that Starlink is working on and the Starshield technology.

And we can see that the speed that we used to have, which was unlimited speed, is no longer in place. And we can see that, when we are launching our drones to intercept Russian drones, and when they reach the speed of more than 100 miles, then the system says there is a failure and the maximum speed has been exceeded.

Geoff Bennett:

Does Ukraine believe the U.S. is acting as an honest broker in these peace negotiations, or do you increasingly see Washington as a source of pressure, rather than protection?

Denys Sienik:

Well, the fact that we speak on a daily basis with American team means that there is a clear desire to end the war, at least to start with the cease-fire. That's our priority.

Geoff Bennett:

When the president takes steps that effectively ease pressure on Russia and ramps up pressure on Ukraine, what message does that send to President Putin?

Denys Sienik:

Our position has never changed since day one. There must be additional pressure on Russia so that Russia stops this war. So, any message that Putin will receive that sanctions may be lifted or restrictions may be lifted or there will be less pressure on Russia, that will incentivize his attacks and actually move him to escalate in order to achieve even greater objectives that he has on his mind.

We can see that the sanctions are working. Russian economy is staggering. The inflation rate, the consumption rate, the wealth fund in Russia has been depleted. The only thing is that every time Russia is adjusting itself to the existing sanctions.

And that is why we are so actively advocating for putting more and more new sanctions, more pressure on Russia, so that it does not have the capability to adapt.

Geoff Bennett:

There are reports that President Putin wants to discuss Ukraine's future with President Trump and China's leader without President Zelenskyy at the table. Is Ukraine concerned that decisions about its future are being made or could be made without its consent?

Denys Sienik:

Well, nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. And this has not changed. I cannot imagine how it is possible to discuss, like, anything which is related to the war without my president being present at the table.

Geoff Bennett:

What would you say to those Americans who believe the U.S. has done enough to support Ukraine, and it's time for Ukraine to make some difficult compromises to end this war?

Denys Sienik:

We are talking about our territory that we have been defending since 2014.

You fought fiercely for your independence. We are fighting fiercefully for our independence. And we understand that, if you look into history, Russia will not stop. And I really want to draw your attention to the situation in Oleshky in Kherson region. About 2,000 people are trapped in that occupied town without access to food, to medicine.

Russian soldiers are taking food away from Ukrainians, do not allow any access to Ukrainian side, to our partners, to Red Cross to enter the that town and to provide medicine. That's what Ukrainians are thinking about.

My message to the American people is just gratitude. We are grateful for all the assistance that the United States has provided, that the U.S. Congress has provided to Ukraine. I am thrilled to see the Ukrainian flags flying in the streets. As long as there is a conflict and aggression, he will do his best to stay in power.

In the contrary, he will have to focus on his domestic affairs. And they are not doing great at all. And that is why I have no doubt that Putin will continue doing what he is doing. But I hope that we will be able to sit down at the negotiations table and finish this war.

Geoff Bennett:

Charge D'affaires Denys Sienik, thank you for your time this evening. We appreciate it.

Denys Sienik:

Thank you.