Zelensky erupts after Trump and Putin’s call over Ukraine peace talks | World | News
Volodymyr Zelensky said he would not accept a deal to end the Ukraine-Russia war without Kyiv’s involvement.
Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, with the US President saying he and the Russian leader agreed it was time to “start negotiations immediately” to end the conflict.
The Ukrainian President said he believed Ukraine was the US’ priority, adding “it’s really not very pleasant in any case” that Trump phoned Putin first.
Zelensky, who did speak to Trump after Putin, said the US leader had told him he wanted to speak to the two presidents at the same time.
The Ukrainian leader is expected to sit down with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference on Friday.
They will discuss the US’ continued push to end the war which started almost three years ago following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Zelensky told reporters: “We cannot accept, as an independent country, any agreements made without us.
“Today it’s important that everything does not go according to Putin’s plan, in which he wants to do everything to make his negotiations bilateral [with the US].”
He said meetings between Ukraine and America are a priority, saying: “Only after such meetings, after a plan to stop Putin has been worked out, I think it is fair to talk to the Russians.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Ukraine will “of course” take part in the negotiations “one way or another”, according to state news agency TASS.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte insisted Ukraine will be involved in any peace talks, stressing the alliance is united over ensuring Kyiv is “in the best possible position”.
His comments were reiterated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who said Ukraine “must be at the heart” of any talks.
Speaking at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, new US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said any brokered peace deal will include elements neither Ukraine nor Russia wants.
On Wednesday, he said NATO membership for Ukraine – something Zelensky has long pressed for – is unrealistic and also suggested Kyiv should abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia.
