Volodymyr Zelenskyy Lays Out Vision for Ending the War in Ukraine
Rejecting External Peace Deals Without Ukraine at the Table
In a recent interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear that he would under no circumstances accept a peace deal negotiated by the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine’s direct involvement. Speaking from Munich, Germany, during the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s sovereignty and the human cost of the war, stating, “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never. This is the war in Ukraine, against us, and it’s our human losses.” His remarks underscored his determination to ensure that Ukraine’s voice is central to any negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s comments came amid heightened efforts to end the war, as representatives from the Trump administration, GOP senators, European leaders, and the Ukrainian president converged at the Munich Security Conference. The interview also touched on Zelenskyy’s views on the future of NATO, the threat Russia poses to Europe, and his perspective on working with former U.S. President Donald Trump to achieve peace.
The Future of NATO and the Threat of Russian Expansion
Zelenskyy warned that Europe faces a significant threat if Russia’s aggression is not checked. He pointed to intelligence shared with allies about Russian military exercises in Belarus, suggesting that Putin may be planning a larger-scale invasion of Europe as early as this summer. Zelenskyy specifically mentioned Poland and Lithuania as potential targets, stating, “We believe that Putin will wage war against NATO.”
He also cautioned that if the U.S. were to withdraw from NATO, the alliance would be severely weakened, leaving European countries vulnerable to Russian aggression. “They will begin from those countries … small countries who’ve been in the USSR, in the Soviet Union,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting the lack of military capacity among European NATO members to defend themselves without U.S. support. While he acknowledged that he could not predict the full extent of Putin’s ambitions, Zelenskyy made it clear that the threat of further Russian expansion looms large over Europe.
Working with Trump: A Complex Partnership
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support Ukraine has received from the U.S. under the Trump administration but stressed that no leader, including Trump, can negotiate a peace deal with Putin without Ukraine’s participation. Zelenskyy credited Trump with instilling fear in Putin, which he believes could be a key factor in pushing the Russian leader toward peace negotiations.
However, Zelenskyy also urged Trump to remain loyal to Ukraine in his dealings with Putin, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. military assistance in Ukraine’s survival. “I wanted very much that Ukraine is in [the] priority for Trump, not Russia,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he hopes Ukraine’s strategic importance to the U.S. will take precedence over any dealings with Russia.
Despite his hopes, Zelenskyy expressed concerns about Putin’s reliability, warning that Trump and other leaders should not take the Russian leader’s words at face value. “Don’t trust Putin. Don’t trust just words about ceasefire,” he said, reflecting on his own experiences with failed peace talks in 2019.
The Question of Ukraine’s Borders and Territorial Disputes
Zelenskyy addressed recent comments by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who suggested that Ukraine’s goal of reclaiming all territory seized by Russia since 2014 is unrealistic. Zelenskyy countered that Ukrainian law prohibits the recognition of occupied territories as part of Russia, stating, “Judicially, we will not recognize … our occupied territory like territory of Russia. We will never do it.”
However, he left room for diplomacy, acknowledging that Ukraine might consider territorial concessions as part of a peace deal, particularly if such an agreement pave the way for Ukraine’s membership in NATO. Zelenskyy emphasized that the preservation of human life remains his top priority, saying, “Of course, yes [winning the war militarily is possible], but it’s many losses. I think it’s too much. And I’m not sure that with such speed. If our partners do not help, support, it will be difficult. It will be long. Longer than it can be.”
Economic Ties and Rare Earth Minerals
In addition to the security and diplomatic discussions, Zelenskyy touched on a potential economic partnership with the U.S. involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. He highlighted Ukraine’s reserves of titanium, which he said could meet U.S. industrial needs for 40 years. However, Zelenskyy made it clear that any deal involving Ukraine’s mineral resources must come with robust security guarantees from the U.S.
“If we are not given the security guarantees from the United States, I believe that the economic treaty will not work. It must all be fair,” Zelenskyy said. He proposed a mutual benefit arrangement, stating, “Help us defend this, and we will make money on this together.”
A Call for Unity and Support
Zelenskyy’s interview served as a powerful reminder of Ukraine’s resilience and determination in the face of relentless Russian aggression. He reiterated his belief in the importance of strong international alliances, particularly with the U.S., and called for continued support to ensure Ukraine’s survival and eventual victory.
At the same time, Zelenskyy’s comments reflected the deep-seated mistrust of Putin and the conviction that any negotiations must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. As the war drags on, Zelenskyy’s message is clear: Ukraine will not back down, and the international community must remain united in its support for a nation fighting for its freedom and future.
