President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has made it clear that his country will not accept any peace deal negotiated between the United States and Russia without direct involvement from Kyiv. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's stance on the matter during a visit to a nuclear power plant in western Ukraine.
His statement followed a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump also spoke with Zelensky. Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with the sequence of the calls, noting that Trump's conversation with Putin took place before their discussion.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine must be an active participant in any negotiations concerning its future, asserting, 'As an independent country, we simply cannot accept any agreements without us.' He further insisted that bilateral talks regarding Ukraine should not proceed without direct Ukrainian involvement.
The Ukrainian President emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address Russian actions, stating that discussions with Russia should only occur once a plan to counter Putin's actions has been developed.
Zelensky's firm stance underscores Ukraine's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring that its interests are represented in any diplomatic discussions involving the country. The ongoing dialogue between key international players highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region and the importance of including all relevant parties in negotiations to achieve lasting peace and stability.
