Zelensky invites Trump to war‑torn Ukraine for firsthand view

• Zelensky appeals to Trump: The President of Ukraine invited Donald Trump to visit Ukraine and see the consequences of the Russian invasion with his own eyes.
• Consequences of the war: In the interview, Zelensky highlighted the dramatic consequences of the conflict, emphasising that failing to stand up to Russia could lead to a global crisis.
• US support: Zelensky expressed gratitude for the American financial aid, which totalled $175 (£133) billion, with most of it allocated for arms production.

In a Russian missile attack on Sumy, 34 people were killed, including two children. Over 117 people were injured, among them 15 children. Before the Sunday attack, Volodymyr Zelensky was interviewed by CBC News in his hometown, Kryvyi Rih, where - as reported earlier by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - the deadliest single attack on children since the beginning of the war took place.

On the programme "60 Minutes," the President of Ukraine invited Donald Trump to visit Ukraine. Zelensky wants the former US President to personally witness the destruction caused by the Russian invasion. He emphasised that such a visit might help Trump understand the consequences of the war and the role of Vladimir Putin.

- Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead. Come, look, and then let's -- let's move with a plan how to finish the war. You will understand with whom you have a deal. You will understand what Putin did. And we will not prepare anything - Zelensky said in the interview with CBC News.

Zelensky stressed that Trump can choose the locations he would like to visit, and Ukrainians will not stage anything for show.

- Our people have paid the highest price possible. There is no higher price. We have given all our money--all we have in terms of finances. But most important, we gave [the lives of] our people - he emphasised.

The President of Ukraine acknowledged that the US has provided Kyiv with $175 (£133) billion, most of which covered the costs of American weapons production. He described the battle for Ukraine as a joint fight to defend Europe.

During the conversation, Zelensky presented the dramatic effects of the war, expressing concerns about the actions of the US under the Trump administration. He did not hide his resentment towards Vladimir Putin, but at the same time, emphasised the need to continue efforts towards ending the conflict and moving towards diplomacy.

Asked about Trump's comment, which labelled him a "dictator" at the White House and argued that Kyiv started the war, Zelensky lamented that "Russian narratives are prevailing in the U.S". - This speaks to the enormous influence of Russia's information policy on America, on U.S. politics, and U.S. politicians - assessed the President of Ukraine.