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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that excluding Kyiv from negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine would be “very dangerous.” According to him, the negotiation table should include the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, and representatives of the EU.
Zelenskyy made these remarks in an interview with the Associated Press.
He noted that Russia is not interested in negotiations to end the war or in making concessions that the Kremlin would perceive as a defeat, especially given its military advantage on the battlefield.
The Ukrainian president expressed the belief that U.S. President Donald Trump could force Russian leader Vladimir Putin to sit down for negotiations by threatening sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector and banking system, while also continuing support for the Ukrainian military.
“I believe these are the closest and most important steps,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy’s statement came after Trump announced that his administration was engaged in “serious” talks with Moscow about a possible end to the war.
“They may have their own relations, but discussing Ukraine without us is dangerous for everyone,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
He mentioned that the Ukrainian side maintains contact with Trump’s administration, but for now, these discussions remain at a general level. He expressed hope that personal meetings would take place soon for a more detailed discussion of agreements.
“We need to work more on this,” Zelenskyy added.
Zelenskyy recalled that during a phone conversation with Trump during the election campaign, they agreed to discuss the necessary steps to end the war after Trump’s victory.
“I believe that first and foremost, we need to meet with Trump—that’s important. And this, by the way, is what everyone in Europe wants,” Zelenskyy stated, referring to a “shared vision for a quick end to the war.”
According to him, after negotiations with Trump, the process should move to direct talks with Russia. He believes the negotiation table should include the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, and ideally, the European Union.
“Honestly, the EU’s voice should also be there. I think that would be fair and effective. But what exactly that will look like—I don’t know,” Zelenskyy admitted.
He warned against a situation where Putin gains “control” over the war, hinting at the Kremlin’s repeated threats of escalation during Joe Biden’s administration.
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