Ukrainian President Zelenskyy advocates a three-way meeting with President Trump and President Putin
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for a three-way meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and himself. An advisor in Zelensky's office, Mychajlo Podoljak, has outlined criteria for the US-Russian talks in Alaska, which are crucial for Kyiv's evaluation of the summit.
From Kyiv's perspective, the key criteria for evaluating the US-Russia talks include:
- Inclusion of Ukraine's interests and participation: Ukraine's absence from the talks is a major concern, as any discussions about Ukrainian territory and future should involve Ukraine directly to ensure legitimacy and respect for its sovereignty.
- Territorial integrity and sovereignty guarantees: Kyiv would look for a clear commitment that neither the US nor Russia recognizes the Russian occupation of 20% of Ukrainian territory as legitimate, while also affirming Ukraine’s control over the remaining 80% as sovereign and independent.
- Right to self-defense and international alignment: Ukraine must retain the right to defend itself militarily and choose its political and security alignments, including European Union membership. Any agreement limiting these rights would be unacceptable to Kyiv.
- Ceasefire conditions and territorial disputes: Kyiv would scrutinize any ceasefire proposals, especially minor land swaps or territorial changes. Accepting such changes without Ukraine’s consent is highly contentious.
- Role of NATO: Ukraine and its allies would oppose any deal that includes a limitation on NATO membership prospects or troop deployments in Ukraine if it restricts Kyiv’s sovereignty or security guarantees.
- Sanctions and political isolation: Kyiv would be wary of any agreement that includes scaling back sanctions on Russia or results in breaking Russia’s international isolation without corresponding concessions on the conflict resolution and Ukraine’s security.
- Avoidance of flawed deals that isolate Ukraine: Kyiv fears a scenario where the US and Russia reach a deal behind its back that would force Ukraine to accept unfavorable terms or risks reduced Western support.
Ultimately, from Kyiv, the summit’s success hinges on credible, inclusive negotiations that uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, security rights, and involvement in shaping any peace framework, rather than sidelining Kyiv or making concessions at its expense.
In addition, Podoljak has emphasized the need for an "immediate and unconditional full ceasefire" from Kyiv's perspective. If the ceasefire is not implemented within an hour, Podoljak has proposed the application of "hard pressure." President Zelensky believes that a three-way meeting is necessary to achieve real solutions.
As the talks are expected to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukraine needs security guarantees from the international community. The proposed meeting is scheduled to take place in the US state of Alaska, and Podoljak's criteria do not provide any new information about the scheduled meeting location. The criteria do not explicitly state Ukraine's goal of achieving lasting peace, but it is implied in the desire for credible, inclusive negotiations.
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