Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggests that Trump and Putin are unable to make decisions without the involvement of Ukraine.
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated US-Russia summit, scheduled to take place in Alaska on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that any decisions about Ukraine's future must include Ukrainian involvement.
Zelensky has been unequivocal in his stance, refusing to cede Ukrainian territory to Russia and insisting on being directly involved in any negotiations. He emphasizes that any peace must be lasting and not replicate past concessions such as the 2014 loss of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.
The Ukrainian President is open to discussing issues of territorial control only if Russian President Putin agrees to meet, but has ruled out outright territorial concessions, particularly in the Donbas region, which he regards as illegally occupied and critical to prevent further Russian offensives.
Zelensky has warned that "talks about us, without us, will not work," stressing Ukraine’s sovereignty in negotiations. He acknowledges a shift indicated by Russia's signaling willingness to consider a ceasefire but remains cautious and resolute about Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Zelensky's recent approach includes coordination with European leaders and key allies, signaling a multilateral front in discussions involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
While US President Trump has advocated for a quick end to the conflict and suggested Zelensky could end the war "almost immediately," Zelensky counters that any peace must be durable and respectful of Ukraine’s sovereignty, rejecting the notion of no returning Crimea or Ukraine joining NATO. The White House has floated the idea of “land swaps” as a compromise, but Zelensky faces strong domestic and strategic resistance to such concessions.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its third year, has seen Ukraine defending itself against the Russian invasion with Western support. Trump has expressed a desire to end the bloodshed in Ukraine as soon as possible, but Zelensky's firm stance suggests a long and complex road to peace.
Zelensky has expressed hope that US President Donald Trump is aware of the requirement for Ukrainian involvement in any decisions regarding Ukraine. He made this statement to the news agency RBK-Ukraine in Kyiv. The trilateral meeting, if it occurs, has not yet been specified.
The meeting between Trump and Putin is considered important for their bilateral relations, but the future of Ukraine remains a contentious issue. Zelensky believes there will be a trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin, and himself in the future to end the war in Eastern Europe. Only time will tell if this will lead to a lasting peace that respects Ukraine's sovereignty.
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