Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced deep concern on Saturday about being excluded from talks between the U.S. and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. He stressed the importance of direct conversations between Kyiv and Washington to develop a ceasefire plan. Zelenskyy believes Trump could leverage sanctions and military support to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep concern on Saturday about being excluded from discussions between the U.S. and Russia regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine . In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for more direct conversations between Kyiv and Washington to formulate a comprehensive plan for a ceasefire.
He stated that Russia, currently enjoying battlefield advantages, shows no willingness to engage in ceasefire talks or contemplate any concessions, viewing such actions as a sign of weakness. Zelenskyy believes that U.S. President Donald Trump holds significant leverage over Russian President Vladimir Putin through the threat of sanctions targeting Russia's energy and banking sectors, coupled with continued support for the Ukrainian military. 'I think these are the closest and most important steps,' Zelenskyy asserted during the hour-long interview in Kyiv. Zelenskyy's remarks followed Trump's Friday statement that American and Russian officials were 'already talking' about ending the war, claiming his administration had held 'very serious' discussions with Russia, although lacking specifics. 'They may have their own relations, but talking about Ukraine without us – it is dangerous for everyone,' Zelenskyy warned. While acknowledging contact with the Trump administration at a 'general level,' Zelenskyy expressed optimism about in-person meetings soon to develop more detailed agreements. 'We need to work more on this,' he said, acknowledging Trump's likely initial focus on domestic issues following his inauguration.The nearly three-year war in Ukraine stands at a critical juncture. Trump pledged to end the conflict within six months of assuming office, but significant discrepancies remain between the opposing sides, and the contours of a ceasefire agreement remain unclear. Meanwhile, Russia continues its slow but persistent advance along the front lines, while Ukrainian forces grapple with severe manpower shortages. The vast majority of Ukrainians yearn for a cessation of hostilities to rebuild their lives. The country endures near-daily Russian attacks on residential areas, and strikes on power systems have plunged entire cities into darkness. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, unable to return home after vast swathes of the country's east were reduced to rubble. Almost a fifth of Ukraine is currently under Russian occupation, where Moscow-appointed authorities are swiftly erasing any vestiges of Ukrainian identity. With Trump's return to the White House, Ukraine's relationship with the U.S., its most vital and steadfast ally, finds itself at a crucial turning point. Zelenskyy stated that during an initial phone call with Trump during the presidential campaign, they agreed to meet to discuss the steps necessary to end the war if Trump were elected. However, a planned visit by Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, was postponed for unspecified 'legal reasons,' Zelenskyy revealed, followed by a sudden freeze in foreign aid, effectively halting projects by Ukrainian organizations. 'I believe that, first and foremost, we (must) hold a meeting with him, and that is important. And that is, by the way, something that everyone in Europe wants,' Zelenskyy said, referring to 'a common vision of a quick end to the war.' After the conversation with Trump, 'we should move on to some kind of format of conversation with Russians. And I would like to see the United States of America, Ukraine and the Russians at the negotiating table. … And, to be honest, a European Union voice should also be there. I think it would be fair, effective. But how will it turn out? I don’t know.' Zelenskyy cautioned against allowing Putin to assume 'control' over the war, an apparent allusion to Russia's repeated threats of escalation during President Joe Biden's administration. Without security guarantees from Ukraine's allies, Zelenskyy asserted that any agreement with Russia would only serve as a prelude to future aggression. Membership in the NATO alliance, a long-standing aspiration for Kyiv that Moscow vehemently opposes, remains Zelenskyy's preferred option. He argued that NATO membership is the most 'cost-effective' security guarantee for Ukraine and its allies, while simultaneously strengthening Trump's geopolitical standing. 'I really believe that these are the cheapest security guarantees that Ukraine can get, the cheapest for everyone,' he said. 'It will be a signal that it is not for Russia to decide who should be in NATO and who should not, but for the United States of America to decide. I think this is a great victory for Trump,' he said, appealing to the president's well-known preference for winners and favorable business deals. Furthermore, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's 800,000-strong army would be a valuable asset to the alliance, particularly if Trump seeks to withdraw U.S. troops stationed overseas. He emphasized that other proposed security guarantees must be underpinned by sufficient weaponry provided by the U.S
Ukraine Russia Zelenskyy Trump War NATO Sanctions Ceasefire Negotiations
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