Zelensky emphasizes the necessity of Ukrainian inclusion in negotiations, rejecting agreements made without their voice.
**Zelensky Insists on Ukraine's Role in Peace Talks with Russia**
**Zelensky Insists on Ukraine's Role in Peace Talks with Russia**
Ukrainian President firmly states no peace resolution is acceptable without Ukraine's presence.
In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that any peace deal regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia must not proceed without Ukraine's active participation. This remark follows a significant conversation between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which they hinted at the possibility of initiating discussions aimed at ending hostilities in Ukraine. Trump expressed optimism about the conflict's resolution, while also suggesting that the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO seems "impractical", and a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 territorial integrity appears "unlikely".
Zelensky's statement underlines the crucial role that Ukraine must play in shaping any potential peace agreement. He stated, "We cannot accept it, as an independent country, any agreements (made) without us." He stressed the importance of including European allies in these discussions and highlighted that security guarantees remain his top priority, which he deems unattainable without robust support from the United States.
On the international front, Zelensky's aide, Dmytro Lytvyn, indicated that upcoming talks in Munich may not include negotiations with the Russians, although Trump plans to convene a meeting of prominent representatives from the US, Ukraine, and Russia at the forum. As the situation evolves, Zelensky continues to warn global leaders against overestimating Putin’s openness when it comes to establishing peace.
Ukraine's allies in Europe are also voicing their opposition to any agreements that might sideline Kyiv. UK Defence Secretary John Healey has asserted, "there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine," aligning with the sentiments expressed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who vehemently rejected any "dictated peace". Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, echoed similar concerns regarding Washington's potential concessions to Russia.
In a related development, Trump announced a potential upcoming meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia. He expressed a belief that both leaders could facilitate an end to the ongoing conflict. However, he affirmed that a sustainable future hinges on Ukraine's role in the peace efforts. Consequently, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that negotiations would involve both leaders, suggesting that nothing would be off the table, including financial assistance to Ukraine.
The backdrop of these diplomatic overtures remains marked by the ongoing turmoil since the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the subsequent conflict that has vastly altered the landscape of Eastern Europe. Ukraine remains steadfast in its fight for territorial integrity, deploying a range of military responses to Russian advances.
Zelensky's statement underlines the crucial role that Ukraine must play in shaping any potential peace agreement. He stated, "We cannot accept it, as an independent country, any agreements (made) without us." He stressed the importance of including European allies in these discussions and highlighted that security guarantees remain his top priority, which he deems unattainable without robust support from the United States.
On the international front, Zelensky's aide, Dmytro Lytvyn, indicated that upcoming talks in Munich may not include negotiations with the Russians, although Trump plans to convene a meeting of prominent representatives from the US, Ukraine, and Russia at the forum. As the situation evolves, Zelensky continues to warn global leaders against overestimating Putin’s openness when it comes to establishing peace.
Ukraine's allies in Europe are also voicing their opposition to any agreements that might sideline Kyiv. UK Defence Secretary John Healey has asserted, "there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine," aligning with the sentiments expressed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who vehemently rejected any "dictated peace". Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, echoed similar concerns regarding Washington's potential concessions to Russia.
In a related development, Trump announced a potential upcoming meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia. He expressed a belief that both leaders could facilitate an end to the ongoing conflict. However, he affirmed that a sustainable future hinges on Ukraine's role in the peace efforts. Consequently, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that negotiations would involve both leaders, suggesting that nothing would be off the table, including financial assistance to Ukraine.
The backdrop of these diplomatic overtures remains marked by the ongoing turmoil since the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the subsequent conflict that has vastly altered the landscape of Eastern Europe. Ukraine remains steadfast in its fight for territorial integrity, deploying a range of military responses to Russian advances.
