Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy: Trump Could End War, but Only with Kyiv’s Involvement
U.S. President Donald Trump could fulfill his promise to end the war in Ukraine, but only if he includes Kyiv in any talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday. Zelenskiy also stated that the terms of any deal that might arise under Trump were still unclear, and might not even be clear to Trump himself, as Russian President Vladimir Putin had no interest in ending the war.
Trump’s Promise to End the War
Trump, who took office on Monday, promised during his election campaign to end the war within his first 24 hours in the White House, without saying how. Aides have since suggested that a deal could take months. Ending the war would not be possible unless Trump includes Ukraine itself in any negotiations, Zelenskiy emphasized.
Zelenskiy’s Conditions for Peace Talks
Zelenskiy told reporters alongside Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, a visiting ally, that Ukraine’s participation in any peace talks was crucial. "Otherwise, it will not work. Because Russia does not want to end the war, while Ukraine wants to end it," he said. In a separate interview, Zelenskiy expressed his concerns about the peace process, stating that much depended on what kind of just peace could be achieved and whether Putin wanted to stop the war.
Trump’s Understanding of the Peace Process
Zelenskiy believes that Trump understands the challenges associated with the peace process and is simply saying that the war must end or it will get worse. However, Zelenskiy also expressed doubt that Putin would be willing to end the war, citing the Russian leader’s lack of interest in ending the conflict.
Ukraine’s Position on Peace Talks
Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of including European allies in any future peace talks. "As for what the set-up of the talks will be: Ukraine, I really hope Ukraine will be there, America, Europe, and the Russians," he said. He also emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova, both of which have submitted applications to join the European Union, would be members of the EU in the future.
Moldova’s Energy Crisis
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu addressed the energy crisis in her country, which has been affected by the halt in Russian gas flows through Ukraine. Sandu accused Russia of orchestrating an energy crisis and creating chaos in Moldova, with energy prices skyrocketing in areas controlled by her government and daily power cuts in regions held by pro-Russian separatists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zelenskiy’s statement highlights the critical role of Ukraine’s participation in any peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president’s conditions for peace talks, including the involvement of European allies and the need for a just peace, demonstrate the complexities and challenges associated with resolving the conflict. The outcome of the peace talks, if they do occur, remains uncertain, as the interests of the parties involved are fundamentally different.
FAQs
- What is the current state of the war in Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly three years, with no clear end in sight. - What is President Zelenskiy’s stance on peace talks?
Zelenskiy believes that peace talks should involve Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and Russia, with the goal of achieving a just and lasting peace. - What are the conditions for ending the war?
Zelenskiy has stated that the war cannot be ended without Ukraine’s participation in peace talks, as Russia has no interest in ending the conflict. - What is the current energy situation in Moldova?
Moldova is experiencing an energy crisis due to the halt in Russian gas flows through Ukraine, with energy prices skyrocketing and daily power cuts in some regions.