Zelensky stated that excluding Ukraine from peace negotiations regarding the war would be "extremely dangerous."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that excluding Ukraine from negotiations between the US and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine would be "very dangerous." The head of state made this remark in an interview with the Associated Press, as reported by UNN.

Details

As Zelensky pointed out, Russia is not interested in negotiations to end the war or in concessions that the Kremlin views as defeat, especially given its military superiority on the battlefield.

The President of Ukraine expressed the opinion that US President Donald Trump could compel Russian leader Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table by threatening sanctions aimed at the Russian energy sector and banking system, while also continuing support for Ukrainian military forces.

Zelensky's statement came after Trump announced that his administration is engaged in "serious" negotiations with Moscow regarding a potential end to the war.

According to him, the Ukrainian side is maintaining contact with Trump's administration; however, these negotiations are currently taking place at a general level. He expressed hope that personal meetings would occur soon for detailed discussions on agreements.

"We need to work more on this," Zelensky noted.

Zelensky reminded that during a phone call with Trump amid the election campaign, they agreed to discuss the necessary steps to end the war after Trump's victory.

He believes that following negotiations with Trump, it will be necessary to transition to a negotiation format with Russia. He thinks that the negotiating table should include the US, Ukraine, and Russia, and ideally, the European Union as well.

Reminder

The US wants Ukraine to hold presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of the year, provided a ceasefire with Russia is achieved, as stated by Trump's special representative, Keith Kellogg.