Zelenskyy warns peace talks without Ukraine ‘dangerous’ after Trump claims meetings with Russia ‘going well’
Excluding Ukraine from U.S.-led talks involving the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kyiv’s eastern front would set a “dangerous” precedent to dictators across the globe, warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a Saturday interview with the Associated Press, Zelenskyy expressed his concerns about the implications of direct talks between America and Russia without Ukraine’s involvement. He emphasized that excluding Ukraine would validate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion and give him “impunity” and “compromise.”
Zelenskyy argued that such exclusion would send a dangerous signal to other leaders of big countries, encouraging them to engage in similar actions without facing consequences. He highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s presence at the negotiating table to ensure its interests are protected and to prevent a dangerous precedent from being set.
President Zelenskyy’s remarks came in response to President Donald Trump’s recent statements suggesting progress in talks with Moscow. Trump claimed that discussions with various parties, including Ukraine and Russia, were “going pretty well.” However, Zelenskyy reiterated the necessity of Ukraine’s inclusion in these talks to safeguard its sovereignty and security.
Despite the U.S. pledge to provide over $175 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Zelenskyy pointed out that Kyiv has only received around $75 billion worth of support. The whereabouts of the remaining $100 billion remain unclear, raising questions about the allocation of military assistance to Ukraine.
The White House’s silence on this matter has raised concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Additionally, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict in Ukraine for national security interests.
As negotiations continue, Zelenskyy urged Trump to consider increasing sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors to pressure Putin into meaningful discussions. He also advocated for Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as a cost-effective way to ensure its security and deter further Russian aggression.
While Putin has threatened nuclear escalation in response to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, Zelenskyy believes that Trump can leverage sanctions and military aid to bring both parties to the negotiating table. By prioritizing Ukraine’s interests and involving the country in talks with Russia, the U.S. can help prevent a dangerous precedent that could embolden dictators worldwide.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Ukraine from talks involving the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kyiv’s eastern front could have far-reaching consequences. It is crucial for Ukraine to be a part of these negotiations to protect its sovereignty, security, and interests. By working together with Ukraine and other stakeholders, the U.S. can play a vital role in resolving the conflict and preventing further destabilization in the region.
