Zelensky says no peace deal without Ukraine involvement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreement proposed by the United States and Russia without Ukraine's participation. This comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to begin negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine, as an independent nation, cannot accept being excluded from such discussions, reinforcing the need for Ukrainian involvement.

Trump had stated that after speaking with Putin, he believed there was a "good possibility" of ending the war. He also considered Ukraine's accession to NATO to be "not practical" and that restoring the pre-invasion borders was "unlikely." Trump also suggested that Russian representatives would meet with U.S. representatives in Munich this Friday, where a security conference will be held. He indicated that Russia would send representatives, and Ukraine was also invited, but the specific attendees have not yet been determined, adding complexity to the potential discussions.

Although Trump expressed his desire for Russia to return to the international stage, believing that excluding it previously was a mistake, the Russian side has not yet commented on Trump's statements. Zelenskyy's advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn, told reporters that "no talks with the Russians are expected in Munich." However, Zelenskyy will meet with Trump's Vice President, JD Vance, in Munich on Friday. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine cannot accept "any agreement reached without our participation," and stated that Europe also needs to be involved in the negotiations, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive approach. He emphasized to Trump that his top priority is "security guarantees," and without U.S. support, he sees no such guarantees.

Furthermore, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's accession to NATO would be the "most cost-effective" option for its partners, without providing specific details. He also warned world leaders not to believe Putin's claims about being ready to end the war. Ukraine's European allies also oppose any imposed solutions on Kyiv, showing solidarity with Ukraine's position. British Defense Secretary John Healey stated that any negotiations regarding Ukraine cannot take place without Ukraine's participation, and Ukraine's voice must be at the heart of any talks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz refused to accept "imposed peace," and the German Defense Minister stated that Washington had made "concessions" to the Kremlin, which was "regrettable." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Washington of adopting an "appeasement" policy towards Russia, arguing that no positions should be given up before negotiations begin, as this would play into Russia's hands.

Trump stated that he would meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia, but did not provide details. He told reporters in the Oval Office at the White House that Putin wants to end the war and expects a ceasefire soon. When asked if Ukraine was an equal member in the peace process, he replied, "They have to make peace." His Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, stated at a press conference at the NATO summit that peace talks would be "with both Putin and Zelenskyy," and called Trump a "perfect dealmaker." Hegseth had previously stated that expecting Ukraine to return to its pre-2014 borders was "unrealistic" and downplayed the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, but he later stated that "everything is on the table," and the dialogue is led by the President. He also suggested that financial aid to Ukraine and the number of U.S. troops stationed in Europe could be on the agenda during negotiations, adding complexity to the potential discussions.

After the pro-Russian president of Ukraine was overthrown in 2014, Moscow annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and supported pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in bloody fighting. The conflict erupted into a full-scale war nearly three years ago. Moscow's attempt to control the capital, Kyiv, was thwarted, but Russian forces have occupied about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory in the east and south and have carried out airstrikes throughout the country. Ukraine has retaliated with artillery and drone strikes, and launched a ground offensive in Russia's western Kursk region, escalating the conflict further.