Zelensky warns of dire consequences if excluded from talks
- We fight, we hold on, we do everything to bring peace closer. And today, more than ever in these three years of war, we are close to it - said Zelensky in an interview with the Associated Press. He assessed what Putin fears.
The Associated Press interviewed President Volodymyr Zelensky. He mentioned, among other things, that he expects Donald Trump's special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, and his team to visit Ukraine shortly. "For us, it's important for this to happen in the coming weeks, and I believe it will," he said.
He emphasised that talks about Ukraine cannot be held without Ukraine. They may have their relations, but talking about Ukraine without us is dangerous for everyone." He commented on Trump's recent statements that the US and Russia "are already talking" and taking it "very seriously."
Zelensky assessed what Putin fears
Zelensky emphasized that everyone seeks to end the active phase of the war and transition to diplomacy. He stated that Vladimir Putin fears direct negotiations with Ukraine and, in his view, will do everything possible to portray the conflict as a war between Russia and the West rather than acknowledging it as a war against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president stated that Russia's leader could not accept the prospect of losing to Ukraine. He emphasized that since Ukraine has not been defeated, it means Russia is on the path to losing—a reality its leader refuses to acknowledge. He added that various justifications will likely be created to avoid the possibility of ending the war through negotiations held in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that any negotiations between the U.S. and Russia about the war in Ukraine, without Ukraine’s involvement, would be a mistake. He added that if he and Trump were to discuss a plan for ending the war, Trump could then, if he wished, engage in talks with the Russians.
He also warned about a situation where Putin takes "control" of the war, referring to multiple threats of escalation from the Kremlin during Joe Biden's administration.
The President of Ukraine expressed the opinion that U.S. President Donald Trump could force Russian leader Vladimir Putin to negotiate by threatening sanctions targeting the Russian energy and banking system, as well as further support for the Ukrainian army.
