Zelenskiy Rejects Peace Deals Without Ukraine's Involvement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserted at the Munich Security Conference that Ukraine would never accept peace agreements made without its involvement, a clear message to U.S. President Donald Trump amid efforts to end the war with Russia. Zelenskiy urged Europe to establish its own armed forces, emphasizing that Ukraine's military alone could not ensure the continent's security.

His comments followed a call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, their first since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump and Putin hinted at a future meeting, possibly in Saudi Arabia, prompting Ukraine to push for a unified strategy with the U.S. and Europe beforehand.

Zelenskiy warned that any concessions to Russia without Kyiv's input could endanger regional stability. He also speculated that the Kremlin might invite Trump to Moscow's May 9 Victory Day celebrations, cautioning that a Trump-Putin meeting before a Trump-Zelenskiy meeting would be perilous.

Addressing European leaders, Zelenskiy questioned their military readiness against potential Russian aggression, including false-flag operations. He highlighted intelligence reports indicating Russia's plans to deploy battle-hardened troops to Belarus this summer, warning that a poorly concluded war would leave Putin with experienced soldiers capable of further violence.

Zelenskiy concluded by stressing the urgency for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities while Ukraine continues its fight, underscoring the critical need for collective security and collaboration.