Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Expresses Grave Concerns, Rejects Russian-US Talks Without Ukrainian Input
In an exclusive interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed his deep apprehension about his country’s ability to withstand the ongoing war with Russia without unwavering American support. "I think its very important, critical," Zelenskyy emphasized. "I don’t want to think that we will not be strategic partners. I don’t want to think about it because it will make a pressure on morality of Ukrainians."
As the war in eastern Ukraine rages on, news emerged of a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, where they reportedly discussed the possibility of negotiating an end to the conflict. Trump described the conversation as "lengthy and fruitful," while Kremlin officials remained tight-lipped about the specifics.
However, Zelenskyy stated that he had received no invitation to participate in the talks. "I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never," he declared. "The war in Ukraine is against us, and it is our human losses. And we are thankful for all the support…"
The Ukrainian president expressed doubt about Putin’s sincerity in negotiating in good faith. "He’s a liar," Zelenskyy asserted. "But I think he’s really a little bit scared about the President Trump. And I think the president has this chance, and he’s strong. And I think that really he can push Putin to peace negotiations … But don’t trust him. Don’t trust Putin."
Zelenskyy’s cautionary words come amid a significant shift in US policy towards Russia under the Trump administration. Former President Joe Biden had adopted a more adversarial stance, referring to Putin as a "pure thug" and "brutal tyrant." In contrast, Trump has indicated a willingness to engage and potentially negotiate with the Russian leader.
Trump’s overtures have been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that they send the wrong message to Russia and undermine Western unity. However, Trump has defended his approach, asserting that he is pursuing a "different path" to achieve better outcomes for the United States.
The war in Ukraine, which began in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire, fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed separatists control large swaths of territory.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on relations between Russia and the West, with the United States and its allies imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its actions. Trump has repeatedly called for an end to the sanctions, but has also said that he is willing to meet with Putin to discuss the issue.
The future of the war in Ukraine remains uncertain. Zelenskyy’s insistence on Ukrainian involvement in any negotiations suggests that a resolution without Kyiv’s consent is unlikely. Trump’s willingness to engage with Putin, however, raises the possibility of a breakthrough in the diplomatic impasse.
As the conflict continues, the fate of Ukraine and the wider region hangs in the balance. The outcome of the war will have profound implications for the people of Ukraine, Russia, and the international community.
