UJ
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that if his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump were to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin before him, it would be “dangerous.” He confessed that he lacks any assurances from Trump that he would be prioritized in peace negotiations.
Zelensky’s comments came during a week when a discussion between Trump and Putin sparked concerns in Kyiv about being sidelined in the negotiation process, particularly as the White House downplayed Ukraine’s chances of joining NATO.
During an interview with UJ’s Christiane Amanpour at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Zelensky expressed his displeasure that Trump’s first call was to Putin. He warned that it could become “more dangerous” if Trump engages with the Russian leader before meeting with him.
Zelensky informed UJ that Trump has not committed to meeting him first. However, he acknowledged that the U.S. President recognized the urgency to meet and discuss “concrete plans” for ending the conflict.
In a light-hearted moment that elicited laughter from the audience, Zelensky revealed that he had told Trump that Putin is intimidated by him.
“I told Trump that Putin is afraid of him, and he listened. Now, Putin knows,” Zelensky remarked humorously.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Putin seems to hold considerable power over NATO and reiterated that any peace talks to resolve the conflict would require Kyiv’s participation.
“Currently, the most influential figure in NATO appears to be Putin – as his decisions can impede NATO’s actions,” Zelensky stated.
“Ukraine will never accept agreements made behind our backs without our involvement. This principle should extend to all of Europe,” he added.
“No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe. Europe must have a voice in the decisions that affect it,” Zelensky continued.
Zelensky warned that the era of guaranteed American support for Europe has come to an end.
“Just a few days ago, President Trump informed me about his discussion with Putin. He never once mentioned that America needs Europe at this negotiation table. That speaks volumes,” he remarked.
“The past is behind us – when America supported Europe merely out of habit,” he concluded.
Zelensky shared these thoughts a day after U.S. Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized America’s European allies during the security conference, a speech that barely mentioned Ukraine and the potential resolution of the Russia conflict.
“Here in Munich yesterday, the U.S. vice president made it evident – the decades-long old relationship between Europe and America is coming to a close. Moving forward, things will change, and Europe must adapt accordingly,” Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian president advocated for the establishment of a unified European army, acknowledging that U.S. military support may not continue in the same capacity as before.
“Let’s be candid – we can no longer assume that America will always say ‘Yes’ to Europe when it comes to issues that pose a threat. Many leaders have mentioned the necessity for Europe to form its own military – an Army of Europe,” he concluded.
