Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned that excluding his country from negotiations between the United States and Russia over the war in Ukraine would be "very dangerous" and counterproductive.
He urged for coordinated discussions involving Kyiv, Washington, and European nations to develop a meaningful ceasefire plan.
Zelenskyy emphasised that Russia remains 'disinterested' in ceasefire talks or making concessions, viewing such moves as tantamount to admitting defeat.
Zelenskyy expressed confidence in US President Donald Trump's ability to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table through strategic sanctions targeting Russia's energy and banking sectors, as well as continued support for the Ukrainian military.
"I think these are the closest and most important steps," Zelenskyy stated during the hour-long interview in the Ukrainian capital.
His remarks followed Trump's assertion on Friday that "serious" talks were already underway with Russian officials to end the war. Trump refrained from providing further details but indicated that dialogue was progressing.
Zelenskyy, however, expressed apprehension. "They may have their own relations, but talking about Ukraine without us — it is dangerous for everyone," he said.
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The Ukrainian leader acknowledged ongoing but generalised discussions with the Trump administration and voiced optimism for in-person meetings to develop more concrete agreements.
"We need to work more on this," he remarked, adding that Trump's immediate focus on domestic affairs following his inauguration was understandable.
As the war approaches its third year, Ukraine finds itself at a crossroads. Although Trump has pledged to end the conflict within six months, divisions between the warring sides remain stark, complicating prospects for a ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its methodical advances along the frontlines, while Ukrainian forces grapple with severe manpower shortages.
Millions of civilians have been displaced, with vast regions in eastern Ukraine reduced to rubble and occupied by Russian forces who are systematically erasing Ukrainian cultural identity.
Zelenskyy cited the urgency of holding direct talks with Trump to forge a comprehensive strategy for peace. He stressed the importance of including the European Union in any negotiations to ensure fairness and effectiveness.
"We should move on to some kind of format of conversation with Russians. And I would like to see the United States of America, Ukraine and the Russians at the negotiating table. ... And, to be honest, a European Union voice should also be there. I think it would be fair, effective. But how will it turn out? I don't know," he said.
Zelenskyy reiterated the need for firm security guarantees from Ukraine's allies, warning that any agreement lacking such assurances would merely pave the way for future Russian aggression.
Membership in NATO remains Kyiv's top security aspiration, despite Moscow's categorical opposition. Zelenskyy argued that NATO membership offers the "cheapest" security guarantee for Ukraine's allies and would bolster Trump's geopolitical standing.
"I really believe that these are the cheapest security guarantees that Ukraine can get, the cheapest for everyone," Zelenskyy asserted.
"It will be a signal that it is not for Russia to decide who should be in NATO and who should not, but for the United States of America to decide. I think this is a great victory for Trump," he concluded, appealing to Trump's affinity for winning and deal-making.
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