Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated that he will not accept any peace agreements regarding Ukraine without his country being part of the discussions. His comments come in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent shift in approach to the ongoing war in Ukraine, where he suggested holding direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace.
The sudden change in US policy, which appears to prioritize Putin as the key player in resolving the conflict, has raised concerns for Zelenskyy and many in Europe. Following a phone call between Trump and Putin, the Kremlin has been optimistic about the potential for peace talks. Russian officials and state media have expressed approval of Trump’s proposal, with some suggesting that the US has finally sided with Russia’s vision for how the war should end.
Zelenskyy, however, insists that no agreement about Ukraine should take place without Ukrainian participation. In a statement, he made it clear that any bilateral negotiations about his country without Ukraine at the table would be unacceptable. He emphasized the importance of preventing Putin from solely dictating the situation and highlighted the need for Ukraine to have a voice in any discussions about its future.
During his own call with Trump, Zelenskyy noted that the US president reassured him that he intended to engage with both Russia and Ukraine at the same time. While this has given Zelenskyy some hope, the broader shift in US policy has been alarming for many, both in Ukraine and across Europe.
Trump’s approach has also led to unease within NATO and the European Union. Several European leaders expressed concern that Washington’s new direction could undermine the unity of the West in supporting Ukraine. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of collaboration between Ukraine, Europe, and the US in addressing the crisis, while others, like Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, urged continued support for Ukraine and political pressure on Russia.
On the ground in Ukraine, soldiers are divided on the prospect of peace talks. Some believe that dialogue between Trump and Putin is inevitable and could influence the situation, but many are skeptical about reaching a meaningful agreement. Ukrainian soldiers, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region, argue that the demands from both sides have been incompatible, and only military force can ultimately resolve the conflict.
Amid this uncertainty, Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine will not accept any peace deal that sidelines their involvement, underlining the country’s resolve to be an active participant in the negotiation process. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely to see how this diplomatic shift will impact the course of the war in Ukraine.
