Zelenskiy: Ukraine Will Not Accept Peace Deals Made Without Its Involvement
Munich – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared on Saturday that Ukraine will never agree to any peace agreements made without its participation, delivering what appeared to be a veiled message to former U.S. President Donald Trump amid ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict with Russia.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskiy urged European nations to establish their own collective defense forces, emphasizing that Ukraine’s military alone is not sufficient to ensure the continent’s security.
“Ukraine will never accept agreements made behind our backs without our direct involvement. The same principle should apply to all of Europe,” Zelenskiy stated.
Concerns Over U.S.-Russia Talks
Zelenskiy’s remarks came shortly after Trump held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin—the first such communication between a U.S. and Russian leader since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump also hinted at a potential future meeting with Putin, possibly in Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine has consistently stressed the importance of a unified strategy between Kyiv, the United States, and European allies before any negotiations involving Trump and Putin take place.
There is growing concern among European allies that Trump’s approach could involve making concessions to Russia at Ukraine’s expense. Mixed signals from U.S. officials have further fueled uncertainty about Washington’s position.
Fears Over Trump-Putin Meeting
Zelenskiy also predicted that the Kremlin might try to invite Trump to Moscow on May 9 to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, which commemorate the Soviet Union’s triumph in World War II with a military parade in Red Square.
He warned that a Trump-Putin meeting before a discussion with Ukrainian officials would be dangerous, reinforcing fears that Kyiv’s interests could be sidelined.
Europe’s Security at Risk
Addressing European leaders, Zelenskiy urged them to prepare their militaries for potential Russian aggression, warning that Moscow could stage a direct assault or a “false-flag” operation, which involves fabricating attacks to shift blame.
“If this war ends in the wrong way, Putin will be left with a surplus of battle-hardened soldiers who know nothing but war and looting,” Zelenskiy cautioned. He cited intelligence reports suggesting that Russia plans to send troops to Belarus this summer.
He concluded by calling on Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities, asserting:
“As we fight for peace and security, we must also build the Armed Forces of Europe.”
