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Trump Pushes for Ukraine Peace Talks as Zelensky Rejects Exclusion from Negotiations

Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes Ukraine's role in any agreements, while U.S. officials signal shifts in policy on territorial concessions.

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on February 21, 2020 shows US President Donald Trump delivers remarks at a Keep America Great rally in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 19, 2020. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony in Jerusalem on January 23, 2020 commemorating the people of Leningrad during the Second World War Nazi siege on the city.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands as they meet in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine speaks to the press during a media briefing on the territory of Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko)
President Zelensky during his phone call with President Trump

Overview

  • U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for high-level talks involving U.S., Russian, and possibly Ukrainian officials at the Munich Security Conference, though Ukraine denies planning direct talks with Russia.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that no agreements regarding Ukraine can be made without its involvement, rejecting any negotiations that exclude Ukraine or its European allies.
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is unrealistic and NATO membership is unlikely, signaling a policy shift that has drawn criticism from European leaders and Ukrainian officials.
  • European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, insist on Ukraine and Europe's inclusion in any peace process, warning against a deal that undermines regional security.
  • Trump's outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked concerns in Ukraine and Europe about potential concessions to Russia, while Zelensky continues to push for strong security guarantees in any agreement.