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Ukraine Insists on Participation in Peace Talks Amid US-Russia Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that his country will not accept any peace agreement reached between the United States and Russia without Ukraine’s involvement. This assertion comes in light of discussions between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who have indicated a willingness to initiate negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict.
During a recent phone conversation, Trump expressed optimism, stating that there is a “good possibility” of resolving the war. However, he also remarked that it may not be “practical” for Ukraine to join NATO and deemed it “unlikely” that Ukraine could revert to its borders as they were before 2014.
Zelensky firmly stated that Ukraine would not be excluded from any discussions surrounding the conflict and emphasized the need for European participation at the negotiating table. He reiterated that security guarantees, which he perceives to be inadequate without robust US backing, are a top priority for Ukraine.
Additionally, Trump mentioned plans for a meeting involving key representatives from the US, Ukraine, and Russia at the Munich Security Forum. However, it remains uncertain who will attend from each nation, as Russia has not confirmed its participation and has not publicly responded to Trump’s statements.
Zelensky’s adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, indicated that no significant discussions with Russia are anticipated at the Munich forum. In his remarks following a call with Trump, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength, securing solid and dependable guarantees for its security. He referenced discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasizing that any negotiations should reflect a unified stance from Ukraine, Europe, and the US.
As the conversation about potential peace talks continues, Zelensky warned global leaders against taking Putin’s overtures for peace at face value, citing the danger of trusting narratives that could undermine Ukraine’s position.
Firm Stance from Ukraine’s Allies
Ukraine’s European allies have shown strong support for its position, collectively rejecting any attempts that might lead to a forced settlement without direct Ukrainian engagement. UK Defence Secretary John Healey reinforced that negotiations without Ukraine are unacceptable and that Ukraine’s voice must be central in any discussions.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz similarly dismissed the notion of a “dictated peace” and criticized the notion that the US was making concessions to the Kremlin too early in the process. This sentiment was echoed by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, who cautioned against “appeasement” of Russia, suggesting that removing options from the discussion prematurely would only benefit Moscow.
Ongoing Developments with US-Russian Dynamics
In another dimension of the unfolding situation, Trump announced a potential meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia and suggested that a ceasefire may be imminent. He is reportedly holding to the view that Ukraine will need to play a decisive role in its own peace process.
Meanwhile, Trump’s Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that both Putin and Zelensky would likely be involved in future negotiations, portraying Trump as a capable mediator. Recently, Hegseth had expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to regain its pre-war borders and downplayed NATO membership prospects. However, he later suggested that all options, including financial aid for Ukraine and US troop levels in Europe, would be considered during negotiations.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated dramatically after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, following the ousting of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president. The war intensified with Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly three years ago, during which time Moscow failed to seize Kyiv but has occupied approximately a fifth of Ukraine’s eastern and southern territories, while Ukraine continues to respond with counter-offensives.
Source
www.bbc.com