Kyiv, February 13, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has made it clear that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreement between the United States and Russia that excludes Kyiv from negotiations. His statement follows a recent phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which signaled the beginning of diplomatic talks.
Speaking at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant before departing for the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskiy underscored the necessity of Ukraine’s direct involvement in shaping any resolution to the ongoing war.
“As an independent nation, we cannot accept any agreements made without our participation,” he told reporters.
Concerns Over Direct US-Russia Talks
Zelenskiy’s remarks come amid growing unease in Europe after Trump’s defense secretary suggested that Ukraine’s NATO membership was not a viable option and that reclaiming its pre-2014 borders was unlikely. These comments have sparked speculation that Washington may be working toward a deal with Moscow without fully including Ukraine or its European allies.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that any roadmap for ending the conflict must first be developed by Ukraine and its allies before engaging with Russia. He has also been pushing for a meeting with Trump ahead of any further discussions between the U.S. president and Putin, though no official meeting has been scheduled yet.
Ukraine’s Stance on NATO and US Priorities
During his conversation with Trump, Zelenskiy noted that NATO membership was not discussed, but acknowledged that the United States remains opposed to Ukraine joining the alliance. He also downplayed the significance of Trump calling Putin before him, suggesting that it might not necessarily reflect Washington’s true priorities, though he admitted it was “unpleasant.”
Current War Situation and European Concerns
As the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion nears, Moscow continues to hold about 20% of Ukraine’s territory and has been making slow advances in the east. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces ongoing manpower shortages. European leaders have also voiced concerns over the prospect of the U.S. negotiating a deal with Russia independently, warning against what some are calling a “dirty deal” that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Zelenskiy’s firm stance highlights Ukraine’s determination to be a key player in any diplomatic resolution, insisting that any agreement must align with the interests of both Kyiv and its European partners.
What’s Next?
While Trump has hinted at an upcoming meeting with Putin, potentially in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine is actively seeking to secure a direct meeting between Zelenskiy and Trump. As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine remains steadfast in its position that any lasting peace must be negotiated with its full participation.
