Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning to former US President Donald Trump about the potential consequences of holding direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin without Ukraine's participation.
In an interview, Zelensky described such a scenario as 'very dangerous', emphasising that any peace negotiations excluding Ukraine would set a worrying precedent in international diplomacy.
Zelensky's Concerns Over Backchannel Diplomacy
The Ukrainian leader expressed particular concern about reports suggesting Trump might seek to negotiate directly with Putin if he returns to the White House. 'You can't decide the fate of Ukraine without Ukraine,' Zelensky stated firmly.
His comments come amid growing tensions in the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine continuing to defend its territory against Russian forces. Zelensky stressed that peace agreements made without Ukrainian representation would lack legitimacy and could potentially undermine the country's sovereignty.
The Trump-Putin Dynamic
Trump has repeatedly claimed he could quickly resolve the Ukraine conflict through his personal relationship with Putin. However, Zelensky cautioned against such an approach, warning that 'private deals between world leaders' could have devastating consequences for smaller nations caught in geopolitical struggles.
The Ukrainian president also highlighted the importance of maintaining Western unity in supporting Ukraine's defence efforts, noting that any unilateral moves by Trump could fracture the international coalition against Russian aggression.
International Reactions
Political analysts suggest Zelensky's remarks reflect growing anxiety among Ukrainian officials about potential shifts in US foreign policy should Trump win the 2024 election. European leaders have similarly expressed concerns about the possibility of America reducing its support for Ukraine.
As the war enters its third year, Zelensky's warning underscores the delicate balance of international diplomacy and the high stakes for Ukraine in maintaining Western support against Russian forces.
