Zelensky claims Putin fears Trump, insists Ukraine must be involved in peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted on Saturday that he informed former U.S. President Donald Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid of him.

Zelensky also suggested that Putin holds significant sway over NATO, stressing that peace negotiation regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict could not proceed without Kyiv’s direct involvement.

Zelensky’s remarks come in response to statements from Trump’s administration, which deemed Ukraine’s NATO membership an unrealistic goal.

“I told Trump that Putin is afraid of him, and he heard me. And now Putin knows,” Zelensky remarked wryly.

He further criticized NATO’s current dynamics, claiming that “the most influential member of NATO right now seems to be Putin – because his whims have the power to block NATO decisions.”

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would never accept backdoor deals made without its participation, advocating for Europe’s inclusion in any major geopolitical decisions impacting the region.

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“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement. And the same rule should apply to all of Europe,” he added, reinforcing his call for unity among European nations.

His statement follows a week of growing uncertainty among NATO allies, after Trump’s administration signaled possible concessions to Moscow, leaving European leaders scrambling for a cohesive strategy.

In response to Zelensky’s address, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk underscored the urgency for Europe to devise a concrete plan concerning Ukraine, warning against allowing external powers to dictate the continent’s future.

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“This plan must be prepared now. There’s no time to lose,” Tusk stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the need for a swift and unified European response to the crisis.

With tensions escalating and diplomatic strategies in flux, Ukraine continues to assert its position, pushing for greater influence in shaping the path toward peace and security in the region.