Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on February 13, 2025, that Ukraine will not accept any peace deal regarding the ongoing conflict without its direct involvement. This announcement follows a commitment from former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to initiate negotiations aimed at ending the war.
- Ukraine demands involvement in peace negotiations.
- Trump and Putin discuss ending the conflict.
- Zelensky prioritizes security guarantees from US.
- European allies reject forced settlement proposals.
- Concerns over US concessions to Russia raised.
- Ongoing conflict has resulted in significant territorial loss.
Zelensky’s firm stance reflects concerns over sovereignty and security guarantees for Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities with Russia. He highlighted the need for a united front involving Europe and the united states before any negotiations could commence. During a call with Trump, he reiterated that “we cannot accept it, as an independent country, any agreements (made) without us.”
Key points from Zelensky’s statements include:
- Ukraine demands strong security guarantees linked to US support.
- The necessity of European involvement in negotiations.
- A warning against trusting Putin’s willingness to end the conflict.
The international response has been supportive of Ukraine’s position. UK Defence Secretary John Healey asserted that “there can be no negotiation about Ukraine without Ukraine,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected any notion of a “dictated peace.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized perceived concessions by Washington towards Moscow, emphasizing that all options should remain open until formal discussions begin.
This situation arises from a complex backdrop where Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and has since engaged in military actions against Ukraine. The current conflict escalated into full-scale war when Russia invaded in 2022, leading to significant territorial disputes and humanitarian crises across the region.
Zelensky’s insistence on inclusion underscores the importance of Ukrainian agency in shaping its future amidst international negotiations. As discussions progress between major powers, the clarity of Ukraine’s position will be crucial for ensuring its sovereignty and security moving forward.
