UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned that holding U.S.-Russia talks about the conflict in Ukraine without Ukraine’s involvement would set a dangerous precedent.
He emphasized that such talks would send the wrong message to dictators around the world and validate Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy warned that excluding Ukraine could signal impunity for Russian President Vladimir Putin and encourage other global leaders to take similar actions without consequences.
“If there will be direct talks between America and Russia without Ukraine, it is very dangerous, I think,” Zelenskyy told the Associated Press on Saturday. “Talking about Ukraine without us – it is dangerous for everyone.”
The comments came as former President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that his administration had already started discussions with Russia about the war in Ukraine.
Trump also claimed that the talks were progressing well, but did not elaborate on the specifics, including any communication with Putin.
Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, affirmed that the U.S. was working toward ending the war, noting its national security importance and the billions of dollars in aid already provided to Ukraine.
He emphasized that a resolution to the conflict was necessary due to the growing alliance between Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran.
TRUMP SUGGESTS ZELENSKY IS READY TO NEGOTIATE PEACE DEAL
Despite the U.S. committing over $175 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Zelenskyy said that his country has only received around $75 billion worth.
He expressed concern over the whereabouts of the remaining funds, as the White House did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Kellogg suggested that Trump would lead peace negotiations effectively, stating that Trump knows where to apply pressure in talks with both Ukraine and Russia.
However, both Putin and Zelenskyy have made it clear that Ukraine’s NATO membership is a non-negotiable issue.
Zelenskyy argued that Trump could bring Putin to the negotiating table by threatening tougher sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors and continuing military support for Ukraine.
He also urged Trump to support Ukraine’s NATO membership, which he described as the most cost-effective solution for Ukraine’s allies.