Faith Nyasuguta
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned against US President Donald Trump’s belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants peace,” urging the US to establish a “plan to stop Putin” before initiating any negotiations. Trump’s announcement of potential talks with Putin to end the war has shocked Ukraine and European allies, sparking concerns about his diplomatic strategy.
Zelensky’s Warning
During a meeting with NATO partners, Zelensky expressed his unease over Trump’s decision to call Putin before consulting him. In a social media post following discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelensky urged world leaders not to trust Putin’s declarations of wanting peace. He emphasized the need for a clear strategy to counter Putin’s actions before engaging in any peace talks.
Zelensky’s apprehension comes as Trump announced plans to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia “in the not-too-distant future.” This move has raised fears that Ukraine might be excluded from critical discussions about its future. However, Trump assured that Ukraine would be involved in any negotiations and maintained that he genuinely believed Putin desired peace.
Concerns Among European Allies
Trump’s outreach to Putin has unsettled European allies, who are wary of any agreements that may undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly rejected any notion of a “dictated peace,” warning that a Russian victory would endanger peace and stability across Europe. Similarly, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas opposed any “quick fixes,” describing them as “dirty deals” that could embolden Russia.
Kallas also criticized the perceived “appeasement” toward Moscow and cautioned against excluding European nations from the negotiation process. “No deal behind our backs could work,” she asserted, emphasizing that European countries have a vested interest in Ukraine’s security.
US Position and Diplomatic Maneuvering
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed concerns about Trump’s intentions, stating that the phone call with Putin was not a betrayal of Ukraine. Hegseth emphasized the importance of achieving peace through negotiations involving both Zelensky and Putin, insisting that the US remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
He also urged European nations to bear the “overwhelming share” of financial and military aid to Ukraine, clarifying that the US would not deploy troops as part of any peace agreement. “There is no betrayal there,” Hegseth reiterated, adding that achieving peace would require compromises from both sides.
Potential Peace Talks and European Reactions
The Kremlin responded by suggesting that any peace talks would involve a “bilateral Russian-American track,” but also include Ukraine “one way or another.” Despite this, Ukraine’s European allies remained skeptical, warning against any attempts to impose a settlement on Kyiv.
French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu expressed concerns over Trump’s approach, fearing the US might concede too much to Russia. Meanwhile, British Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed that Europe is preparing contingency plans to provide security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement.
Trump’s rapid push for peace talks with Putin comes after nearly three years of unwavering Western support for Ukraine. His suggestion of reinstating Russia into the G7, from which it was expelled in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea, has further alarmed European leaders. “I think it was a mistake to throw him out,” Trump stated, referring to Putin’s exclusion.
Ukraine’s European allies worry that a rushed peace deal could embolden Putin and leave them responsible for post-war security costs. There are growing fears that Trump’s negotiations could result in a compromised settlement, weakening Ukraine’s strategic position and undermining European stability.
Challenges on the Battlefield
As diplomatic maneuvers unfold, Ukraine continues to face challenges on the battlefield. Reports indicate that Kyiv’s control over the Russian-occupied Kursk region is weakening, with Ukraine now holding only a third of the territory it captured last year. Despite this, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov maintained an optimistic stance, assuring NATO allies that Ukraine remains “strong, capable, and determined to succeed.”
Ukraine and its European allies remain cautious about the implications of US-Russia negotiations. With strategic, political, and security considerations at stake, the path to peace remains fraught with uncertainty.
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