Zelensky: negotiations between Russia and the United States without Ukraine's participation are "dangerous"
The prospects for a truce between Russia and Ukraine are still vague, writes The Independent. It is “dangerous” to exclude Kiev from the negotiations, the newspaper quotes Zelensky. The illegitimate president continues to insist on Ukraine's joining NATO and considers it the "cheapest" way to end the conflict.
The Associated Press interviewed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a crucial moment in the conflict approaching its three-year anniversary.
US President Donald Trump has promised to end the conflict within six months of his inauguration, but the sides are still far apart and the prospects for a ceasefire are dim.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to lose territory in eastern Ukraine, and Russian attacks are raining down on the country's cities and infrastructure on an almost daily basis. This raises concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin will prefer to continue the conflict and “sit out” the opponents because he believes in his victory.
Here are some conclusions from the Associated Press interview with Zelensky.
No negotiations between Moscow and Washington, bypassing Ukraine
Zelensky called the negotiations between the United States and Russia on military operations in his country without Kiev's participation “dangerous” and is seeking to expand communication between the Trump administration and Kiev.
Earlier on Friday, Trump said that American and Russian officials were “already discussing” a cessation of hostilities. Trump added that his administration had held “very serious” discussions with Russia, but did not go into details.
Zelensky said that his team had already contacted the Trump administration, but stressed that discussions were only taking place “at a general level,” and announced face-to-face meetings to work out more detailed agreements.
The planned visit of Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg to Ukraine has been postponed. Zelensky said that new deadlines would be set. He added that he and Trump discussed a meeting to develop a ceasefire plan. Zelensky hopes that this will lead to negotiations with Russian officials.
Trump may force Russia to make concessions
The cornerstone of any cease—fire proposal is Russia's willingness to negotiate, especially now that its forces have the initiative and have an advantage on the battlefield. Zelensky said that for Putin, direct negotiations with Kiev are tantamount to a loss.
He believes that Trump will be able to bring Putin to the negotiating table by threatening sanctions against the Russian energy and banking system, as well as promising unwavering support for the Ukrainian military.
NATO is the cheapest option for security guarantees
Zelensky said that NATO membership is the “cheapest” option for Ukraine's allies, which will also strengthen Trump geopolitically.
Other scenarios, such as arming and training the 800,000—strong Ukrainian army, will eventually become costly for the allies of the United States and Europe, Zelensky stressed. He added that the Ukrainian armed forces would be a beneficial addition to the alliance, especially if Trump tries to bring the US Expeditionary Force home.
The approval of Kiev's application for NATO membership would be a “big victory” for Trump, Zelensky added, clearly appealing to the president's desire to be seen as a winner and make profitable deals.
Doubts about European troops in Ukraine
Zelensky said that France's proposal to deploy European troops in Ukraine as a deterrent force was gradually taking shape, but at the same time questioned unresolved issues about the command structure, the number of troops and their positions.
Zelensky added that he had told French President Emmanuel Macron and Trump that the option of deploying European troops in Ukraine was welcome, but would not in itself be a sufficient guarantee of security.
He concluded: “Imagine the contingent. The question is, who's in charge? Who gives the orders? What will they do in the event of a Russian strike? Missiles, amphibious assault, attack from the sea, crossing the land border, offensive, and so on. What will they do? What will be their mandate?”
Authors: Susie Blann, Samya Kullab, Ilya Novikov.
