Ukraine will not accept any peace deal proposed by the U.S. and Russia without its direct involvement, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned, following discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on ending the war.
“As an independent country, we cannot accept it,” Zelensky stated.
The U.S. president suggested there was a “good possibility” of resolving the conflict after a phone call with Putin. Trump described Ukraine’s NATO membership as “impractical” and said it was “unlikely” the country would regain its pre-invasion borders.
Trump also indicated that Russian representatives would meet with American officials on Friday in Munich, where a security conference is taking place.
“Russia will be there with our people,” Trump said. “Ukraine is also invited, by the way. I’m not sure exactly who will attend from any country, but high-level officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States will be present.
“I’d love to have [the Russians] back. I think it was a mistake to exclude them. This isn’t about liking or disliking Russia.”
Russia, which is not officially participating in the conference, has not yet commented on Trump’s statement.
Zelensky adviser Dmytro Lytvyn dismissed expectations of direct talks with Russian representatives in Munich.
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Zelensky is set to meet Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, in the German city on Friday. After a separate call with Trump on Wednesday, the Ukrainian leader reiterated that his country would not accept “any agreements made without us.”
He also emphasized the need for European nations to be included in negotiations and told Trump that his priority remained “security guarantees,” which he did not believe could be ensured without U.S. support.
Additionally, Zelensky argued that NATO membership for Ukraine would be the “most cost-effective” solution for its partners, though he did not elaborate on the details.
“I also warned world leaders against trusting Putin’s claims of willingness to end the war,” he added.
(BBC)
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