Zelenskyy Rejects Putin Talks Without Trump’s Peace Agreement/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he will only meet Russian President Vladimir Putin after negotiating a common plan with U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement follows Trump’s recent call with Putin, which raised concerns over the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance met with NATO leaders, emphasizing defense spending, as a Russian drone strike hit the Chernobyl nuclear site.
Zelenskyy Won’t Meet Putin Without Trump’s Plan: Quick Looks
- Zelenskyy’s Condition: Will only meet Putin after coordinating with Trump
- Trump’s Ukraine Stance: Suggests peace deal may involve ceding Ukrainian territory
- Vance in Munich: Urges NATO allies to increase defense spending
- Chernobyl Drone Strike: Russian attack on nuclear site raises tensions
- Ukraine & NATO: Trump signals skepticism about Ukraine’s membership
- European Reaction: EU nations reevaluate reliance on U.S. for security
Zelenskyy Rejects Putin Talks Without Trump’s Peace Agreement
Zelenskyy Ties Putin Meeting to Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan
Zelenskyy Insists on Trump Coordination Before Putin Talks
At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that he will only meet Russian President Vladimir Putin once he has agreed on a unified approach with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy emphasized Trump’s pivotal role in shaping Ukraine’s future, stating that the U.S. president personally gave him a direct phone number ahead of the conference. However, the announcement comes amid growing uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine following Trump’s recent phone call with Putin, which signaled a shift in Washington’s stance on the war.
Trump’s Position on Ukraine: A Policy Shift?
During his recent remarks, Trump criticized the war’s prolonged nature and hinted that Ukraine might have to make territorial concessions.
“The Ukraine war has to end. Young people are being killed at levels that nobody’s seen since World War II. And it’s a ridiculous war,” Trump stated Thursday.
Both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have cast doubt on Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership, despite previous commitments from the alliance.
“I don’t see any way that a country in Russia’s position could allow Ukraine to join NATO,” Trump said, further complicating Ukraine’s diplomatic standing.
Vance Pushes NATO to Increase Defense Spending
Vice President JD Vance took a firm stance on NATO’s defense budget, urging European nations to shoulder more responsibility for their security.
“We want to make sure NATO is actually built for the future. That means Europe must take on a greater share of the burden, so the United States can focus on challenges in East Asia,” Vance told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Currently, 23 of NATO’s 32 members meet the alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending target, but the Trump administration wants even greater contributions from European allies.
Chernobyl Drone Strike Raises Alarm
Hours before Vance’s meeting with Zelenskyy, a Russian drone attack targeted the protective shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. While radiation levels remained stable, Zelenskyy condemned the strike as a provocative message from Putin to the security conference.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied responsibility, dismissing Ukraine’s claims as misinformation.
U.S. Sanctions & Military Action Still on the Table
Vance, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, suggested that the U.S. would consider sanctions and possibly military measures if Russia refuses a peace deal that ensures Ukraine’s independence.
However, after the interview was published, Vance’s team backtracked, stating that military action was not an immediate priority but remained an option.
European Leaders Rethink Security Strategy
Trump’s hesitation on Ukraine aid and skepticism toward NATO commitments have shaken European confidence in U.S. foreign policy.
French Deputy Foreign Minister Benjamin Haddad described the situation as a turning point for Europe, warning that reducing U.S. involvement in Ukraine could have global repercussions.
“We are not sufficiently grasping how much our world is changing. Both our competitors and our allies are accelerating their strategic moves,” Haddad said.
What’s Next for Ukraine?
While Zelenskyy remains committed to coordinating Ukraine’s next moves with Trump, the future of U.S. support remains uncertain.
With Russia escalating its attacks, NATO reassessing its role, and European nations bracing for potential shifts in U.S. policy, Ukraine’s path forward will depend on the outcome of Trump’s diplomatic maneuvers and the international response to Putin’s next moves.
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