Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a phone conversation with Donald Trump, emphasized that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has no genuine intentions of achieving peace. According to Axios, the call lasted nearly an hour—significantly longer than previous discussions between Trump and Putin.
Key Points from the Talks
🔹 Ukraine’s Concerns About Trump’s Contacts with Putin. Trump assured Zelensky that he understands Kyiv’s worries about negotiations with the Kremlin but believes such meetings are necessary for diplomatic resolution.
🔹 Russia’s Deceptive Strategy. Zelensky warned that Putin tells Trump only what he wants to hear and has no real intention of honoring peace agreements.
🔹 Support for a European Peacekeeping Mission. Trump expressed backing for the creation of European peacekeeping forces that could help ensure Ukraine’s security.
🔹 U.S. Negotiation Team. The delegation will include CIA Director John Ratcliffe and White House representative Steve Witkoff.
A notable moment during the call was Trump sharing his personal phone number with Zelensky and encouraging direct communication. In response, the Ukrainian president humorously promised to send Trump a championship belt belonging to boxer Oleksandr Usyk.
Trump, Putin, and China: A New Political Game
Trump also revealed plans to organize a summit with Chinese and Russian leaders to discuss nuclear arsenal reductions. Additionally, on February 14, U.S. and Russian representatives are set to meet at the Munich Security Conference, where a Ukrainian delegation will also be present.
However, Trump’s remarks about a possible deal sparked controversy. U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg suggested that future agreements might involve Ukraine losing some territory, though he clarified that this wouldn’t mean official recognition of Russian control.
“We never recognized Soviet rule over the Baltic states, even when they were under occupation. The same principle could apply to Ukraine,” Kellogg explained.
Ukraine’s Reaction: No Negotiations Behind Kyiv’s Back
Trump’s comments triggered an immediate response from the Office of the President of Ukraine. Presidential advisor Mykhailo Lytvyn made it clear that Kyiv would not engage in talks with Russia under false pretenses:
“There’s no point in meeting the Russians at an empty table. Right now, there’s nothing on that table.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S.-Russia negotiations represent a victory for Putin, who has long sought direct talks with Washington over Ukraine. The Kremlin could use this as an opportunity to push its own version of a “peace settlement.”
Munich Conference: First Talks with Trump’s Team
The Munich Security Conference became the setting for the Ukrainian government’s first direct meeting with Trump administration officials. However, unexpected circumstances disrupted the event—U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had to return to Washington due to aircraft technical issues, resuming his trip later on a different plane.
During the conference, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance claimed that the biggest threat to Europe is not Russia or China, but the internal decline of democratic values. He specifically criticized the EU’s pressure on Romania to cancel its presidential elections, arguing that such actions weaken European democracy.
His remarks caused an uproar among European politicians. Ukrainian MP Oleksii Honcharenko commented:
“European leaders weren’t just shocked—they were completely… bewildered.”
Zelensky: “We Won’t Sign Deals That Harm Ukraine”
Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine would not agree to any deals made without its direct involvement. He also stated that Kyiv is open to discussions on deploying peacekeeping forces, but only after the war ends.
Regarding a potential U.S.-Ukraine mineral resources agreement, Zelensky revealed that Washington pushed for a deal to be signed without prior review.
“In Ukraine, we always read everything first,” he stressed.
According to Reuters, the U.S. was dissatisfied with Ukraine’s proposed amendments to the agreement, leading to the postponement of Zelensky’s meeting with Vance.
Ukraine’s NATO Membership Prospects
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed confidence that Ukraine would eventually join NATO if Russia escalates its aggression:
“If Ukraine had been in NATO, Putin wouldn’t have invaded in 2014. If he tries again, Ukraine will join the Alliance very quickly.”
What’s Next?
Despite diplomatic efforts, Ukraine remains firm—there will be no territorial or resource concessions. Zelensky reiterated that he is open to meeting with Putin, but only after a unified plan for ending the war is coordinated with both the U.S. and the EU.
In the coming days, the Ukrainian delegation will continue negotiations on security guarantees and international support. Meanwhile, Russia, having secured the direct talks with Washington it long desired, is expected to exploit the situation, sticking to its familiar tactics of political manipulation.