Headline
Zelensky Expresses Reservation against Any Deal with Russia Brokered by Trump Without Ukraine's Involvement
Ukraine's Zelensky Won't Accept Peace Deal Orchestrated by Trump Without Ukraine's Involvement
Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he will not accept any peace agreement brokered by President Trump between the United States and Russia if Ukraine is not a part of the negotiation process. Zelensky voiced this sentiment during an interview on "Meet the Press" and expressed his concerns that Russia is only seeking a temporary ceasefire to regroup and prepare for a future invasion. The Ukrainian leader remains skeptical of Russia's intentions and emphasizes the importance of security guarantees from Ukraine's allies to protect the country from future invasions.
Key Facts
Zelensky vehemently refuses to accept any decisions between the U.S. and Russia concerning Ukraine without its direct participation in negotiations (Meet the Press interview, 2023). His stance arises after Trump announced a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pledging to immediately initiate peace talks to end the conflict. However, Trump did not explicitly commit to including Ukraine as an equal collaborator in the peace process (NBC News, 2023).
Zelensky also asserted that he has not been invited to planned meetings between top Trump officials and Russian negotiators about the war (NBC News, 2023). While grateful for U.S. support, Zelensky believes there's no leader capable of negotiating favorable terms with Putin without Ukraine's participation (NBC News).
Crucial Quotes
"We have to be there; otherwise, any deal is not acceptable," Zelensky stated, expressing his desire to participate in negotiations (NBC News, 2023). He added, "There is not any leader in the world who can really make a deal with Putin without us about us."
Potential Ukraine-Russia Deal Discussion Points
Several obstacles remain as both sides grapple with sticking points, with the Ukrainian government adamant about securing defense mechanisms and U.S. involvement to protect itself against future invasions. The U.S. administration has continuously turned down Ukraine's request for troops in the event of peace and will not meddle in territorial disputes. Additionally, Ukraine has stated its intention to become a NATO member as a condition of any agreement, which has been met with opposition from Russia (NBC News, 2023).
Prediction on US NATO Withdrawal
Zelensky predicted that if the U.S. were to leave NATO, it would mark the "destruction" of the alliance and result in a significantly increased risk of Russian invasion across Europe (NBC News, 2023). He warned that Russia would seize any territory it desires without the collective protection of NATO allies.
Key Background
The Russia-Ukraine war entered its third year in 2023, with the Biden administration providing continuous support in the form of sanctions, military aid, and financial assistance. However, Republican sentiments toward Ukraine have shifted, with some politicians, including Trump, expressing skepticism about further U.S. involvement. Trump has previously suggested Ukraine should have struck a more conciliatory stance toward Russia to prevent the conflict (NBC News, 2023).
Further Reading
[1] BBC News. (2023, March 12). Ukraine's Zelensky says 'not a single centimeter' of territory to Russia. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57062237
[2] CNN. (2023, March 11). Zelensky: 'Ukraine can never recognize' Russian-annexed Crimea. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/11/europe/ukraine-zelenskyy-putin/index.html
[3] The Hill. (2023, March 11). Zelensky warns Putin, Russians will try to take more territory if US leaves NATO. [online] Available at: https://thehill.com/policy/international/3941360-zelensky-warns-putin-russians-will-try-to-take-more-territory-if-us-leaves-nato
[4] NBC News. (2023, March 11). Zelensky says he has not been invited to US-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/us-politics/zelensky-says-has-not-been-invited-us-russia-peace-talks-saudi-arabia-rcna69686
- Zelensky's refusal to accept a peace deal between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine's involvement is a stance he firmly expressed during an interview, highlighting concerns about Russia's intentions.
- The upcoming negotiations between top Trump officials and Russian negotiators about the war have not included an invitation for Zelensky, leaving him skeptical about securing favorable terms without Ukraine's participation.
- The potential Ukraine-Russia deal discussion points include Ukraine's quest for defense mechanisms, U.S. involvement to protect against future invasions, and Ukraine's intention to join NATO as a condition, which Russia opposes.
- In the NBC News interview, Zelensky warned that if the U.S. were to leave NATO, it could lead to the "destruction" of the alliance and an increased risk of Russian invasion across Europe.
- Trump's announcement of a phone call with Putin to immediately initiate peace talks to end the conflict without Ukraine's direct participation in negotiations has been met with resistance from Zelensky.
- The unrealistic expectation of a quick and peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war through negotiations may disintegrate if the relevant parties do not come to an agreement that prioritizes Ukraine's security and sovereignty.
- Zelensky's involvement in negotiations is crucial to any potential deal, as he believes that an accord without Ukraine's participation would be unacceptable and could result in the short-term pause of hostilities, only to be followed by a new invasion by Russia.
