Ukraine President rejects Trump-Putin peace deal, stands firm on sovereignty
US President Donald Trump shocked the world by proposing a shift in policy towards Russia, signaling a potential peace deal in the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. Trump’s announcement suggests he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon to negotiate, sidelining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. Trump’s focus on Putin has raised concerns in Kyiv, as Zelenskyy insists Ukraine must be included in any peace talks. He made it clear that his country will not accept any agreements made without consultation.
The US president’s new approach has drawn praise from Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed approval of Trump’s stance, and Russian officials praised his call with Putin as a significant diplomatic moment. Russian media also hailed Trump’s apparent shift, with some outlets even claiming that the US has abandoned Zelenskyy. This has ignited fear in European capitals, where leaders worry that Trump’s new course could weaken their influence in the conflict’s resolution.
Zelenskyy, however, has rejected the idea of any bilateral talks about Ukraine that exclude his country. He emphasized that Ukraine must remain central to negotiations. Speaking to the media, he expressed confidence that the US president still values Ukraine’s importance and assured that Trump had never prioritized Russia during their conversation. The Ukrainian leader continues to push for Western support, particularly as the war shows no signs of ending soon.
The situation has caused alarm in Europe, particularly within NATO, where some members fear that Trump’s approach could signal a shift in Western unity. Leaders like Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk are calling for joint efforts among Ukraine, Europe, and the United States to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, others, like Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, have cautioned against changing the current course of action and stressed continued support for Ukraine.
On the ground, Ukrainian soldiers express skepticism about any peace talks, fearing that they may be futile due to the stark differences between the demands of Russia and Ukraine. With military supplies dwindling, some soldiers are resigned to the idea of a peaceful resolution through force, especially if Western military aid is not forthcoming.
The broader geopolitical implications of Trump’s stance on Ukraine remain to be seen, as both the US and European nations grapple with how to navigate the shifting dynamics of the war and the future of NATO’s involvement.
