President Zelenskyy wants Ukraine to have a role at the negotiating table with Russia

(CLO) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed that US President Donald Trump can fulfill his commitment to end the war in Ukraine, but this is only possible if Kiev is involved in peace negotiations with Russia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kiev on January 25, Mr. Zelenskyy stressed that ending the conflict cannot be successful without the direct participation of Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Moldova applied for EU membership shortly after Russia launched the war in 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks online on December 20, 2024. Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky/Facebook

"If Ukraine is not involved, there will be no viable solution. Russia does not want to end the war, while Ukraine wants peace," Mr. Zelenskyy declared.

President Donald Trump pledged during his campaign to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of entering the White House, but his aides later said reaching a deal could take months.

Mr. Zelenskyy said that Mr. Trump himself had not yet clearly defined the terms of any agreement.

"Right now, we don't know what Trump's plan will be because there are no details. I think even Trump doesn't know yet, because it depends on whether we can reach a just peace. And whether Putin wants to stop the war - I believe he doesn't want to," Zelenskyy said in an interview.

Ukraine has long feared that its fate could be decided by the world powers without Kiev’s participation. The Ukrainian government is trying to arrange a meeting between President Zelenskyy and Mr Trump to ensure that Ukraine’s voice is heard in any negotiations.

President Zelenskyy also hopes that European countries will be present in the peace negotiations. "I would like Europe to be involved because Ukraine will be a member of the European Union in the future. The negotiations need the presence of Ukraine, the United States, Europe and Russia," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said he was ready to meet with President Trump to discuss Ukraine. However, Mr. Putin said that a 2022 decree by Mr. Zelenskyy, which prohibits negotiations with the Russian government, is the biggest obstacle to negotiations.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, CNBC, Newsweek)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-zelenskyy-muon-ukraine-co-vai-tro-tren-ban-dam-phan-voi-nga-post332063.html