KYIV, Ukraine – On Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine engaged in a critical conversation, reflecting on the ongoing conflict resulting from Russia’s extensive invasion, which has now persisted for nearly three years.
U.S. President Donald Trump, upon his anticipated inauguration, has pledged to end the war within six months. However, it remains evident that substantial gaps exist between both parties, and the pathway toward establishing a ceasefire agreement is unclear.
Currently, Ukrainian forces are experiencing territorial losses in the eastern regions of Ukraine, coupled with frequent Russian assaults targeting civilian homes and essential infrastructure. These escalating attacks have heightened concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be opting to endure the conflict, harboring the belief that victory is ultimately within reach.
In the course of the interview, Zelenskyy expressed a firm stance that any discussions between Moscow and Washington regarding the war must include Ukraine to avoid potential risks. He characterized talks that leave Ukraine out as “dangerous” and called for enhanced dialogue between the U.S. administration and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy’s comments came after Trump asserted that U.S. and Russian officials were already in discussions aimed at concluding the war. Although Trump mentioned “very serious” talks with Russia, he did not provide specific details. Zelenskyy noted that his advisors had been in touch with the Trump administration, but those discussions remained at a broad level, and he anticipated forthcoming in-person engagements to refine agreements.
An anticipated visit from Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellog, was delayed, which Zelenskyy stated would be rescheduled. He mentioned that he and Trump had discussed the prospect of a meeting to strategize a ceasefire plan, expressing hope that this could initiate discussions with Russian representatives.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy elaborated on the necessity for Russia to be willing to engage in negotiations for any ceasefire to hold significance, particularly given that Russian forces seem to currently hold the advantage on the battlefield. He suggested that Putin views direct negotiations with Kyiv as a sign of weakness. Zelenskyy believes that Trump could compel Putin to come to the negotiating table through the threat of sanctions that would impact Russia’s energy and banking sectors, alongside continued backing for Ukraine’s military efforts.
On the topic of NATO, Zelenskyy referred to potential NATO membership as the most cost-effective security solution for Ukraine’s allies and asserted that it would bolster Trump’s geopolitical standing. He reasoned that alternative strategies, involving the arming and training of Ukraine’s sizeable army of 800,000 personnel, would be too costly for U.S. and European allies to maintain over time. He also remarked that Ukraine’s military capabilities would serve as an asset for NATO, particularly if Trump considers withdrawing U.S. forces stationed overseas.
Zelenskyy characterized the approval of Ukraine’s NATO bid as “a great victory” for Trump, appealing to the president’s inclination toward success and advantageous agreements.
Regarding a proposal from France to deploy European forces in Ukraine as a kind of deterrent presence, Zelenskyy conveyed his reservations. He expressed concerns about unresolved issues related to command and control, troop numbers, and stations. He made it clear that while he welcomed the idea of European troops in Ukraine, he emphasized that it would not suffice as an independent security guarantee.
“Imagine, there is a contingent. The question is who is in charge? Who is the main one? What will they do if there are Russian strikes? Missiles, disembarkation, attacks from the sea, crossing of the land border, offensive actions. What will be their response? What are their mandates?” he questioned.
