- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly stated on Thursday that Ukraine would not accept any bilateral agreements on its fate reached between Moscow and Washington without Kyiv’s participation. He emphasised the need for European nations to be included in any negotiations that determine the post-war future of Ukraine.
“Today it’s important that everything does not go according to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s plan, in which he wants to do everything to make his negotiations bilateral (with the US),” Zelenskyy told reporters. His remarks come in response to reports that US President Donald Trump has abandoned the long-standing US policy approach and announced his intent to meet soon with Putin to negotiate a peace deal in the nearly three-year-long Ukraine war.
Trump’s unexpected shift in policy has caused concern in Kyiv and across Europe, as it signals a move that could exclude Ukraine from critical discussions about its own sovereignty and security. His approach appears to treat Putin as the key figure in deciding the future of the conflict, potentially sidelining Zelenskyy and European governments in the negotiation process.
Ukraine And Europe Push Back Against US-Russia Talks
Zelenskyy warned that any settlement reached without Ukraine’s input would be unacceptable and called the possibility of being sidelined in negotiations “very dangerous”. He stressed that Europe, which has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine through military aid and diplomatic efforts, must be involved in any final agreements.
European Union leaders have consistently supported Ukraine with financial and military assistance while advocating for diplomatic efforts that include all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Russian officials and state media have taken a triumphant tone following Trump’s announcement. The Kremlin has long pushed for direct talks with the US to negotiate an end to the war, seeking to bypass Kyiv’s leadership and European allies.