On January 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky laid out his expectations for any potential peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia.
He has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure Ukraine’s participation in negotiations, stressing that without Kyiv’s involvement, any efforts to bring peace would not be successful.
Zelensky Insists Ukraine Must Be at the Table
Zelensky emphasized that a ceasefire could potentially be achieved under Trump’s leadership, but he made it clear that Ukraine must have a seat at the negotiation table.
He noted that while Russia may not be willing to end the conflict, Ukraine is determined to do so.
According to Zelensky, Russia’s unwillingness to end hostilities remains a major obstacle to peace.
While hopeful about Trump’s role in facilitating peace, Zelensky expressed skepticism about Russia’s readiness to engage in genuine talks.
He remains cautious but firm in his stance that the situation must be resolved to avoid further escalation of violence.
Zelensky Open to Negotiations with Putin
Zelensky acknowledged the possibility of direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he also emphasized the importance of securing safety guarantees for Ukraine.
He stated that if Trump could offer such assurances, Ukraine would be ready to pursue a diplomatic solution.
Zelensky suggested that Trump should prioritize engaging with Kyiv, rather than Moscow, to ensure Ukraine’s security in any peace process.
Despite Trump’s apparent interest in ending the conflict, Zelensky pointed out that there are still many uncertainties about how the process will unfold.
Even within Ukraine’s leadership, there is little clarity on what a potential resolution would look like.
Trump’s Desire to Negotiate Peace
For his part, President Trump has repeatedly stated his willingness to negotiate with Putin to bring an end to the conflict.
Unlike his predecessor, Joe Biden, Trump has positioned himself as someone who can resolve the war quickly.
During his election campaign, Trump even promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office.
However, he later tasked his special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, with the goal of resolving the issue within 100 days.
Trump has also highlighted his historically positive relationship with Putin, even amid criticisms from left-wing groups in the U.S.
Trump continues to downplay these political attacks, referring to them as “Russia hoaxes,” and suggests they have not affected his approach to dealing with Russia.
Putin Responds to Trump’s Interest in Peace Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, has reaffirmed Moscow’s openness to negotiations.
He pointed out that it is Zelensky who has placed restrictions on negotiations, indicating that Ukraine’s leadership has limited its own options for peace talks.
Putin emphasized that Russia remains ready for discussions to resolve the conflict, particularly over Ukraine.
Putin described his relationship with Trump as pragmatic and professional.
He acknowledged that Moscow recognizes Trump’s willingness to cooperate constructively, and Putin indicated that Russia is open to engaging in dialogue with Trump to bring an end to the conflict.
Background on Zelensky’s Leadership
Volodymyr Zelensky, born on January 25, 1978, is Ukraine’s sixth and current president.
Before entering politics, Zelensky was a comedian and entertainer, having created a production company called Kvartal 95.
His television series “Servant of the People,” which aired from 2015 to 2019, played a significant role in his rise to political prominence.
The series, in which Zelensky portrayed a fictional Ukrainian president, resonated with the public and eventually led to the creation of a political party of the same name in 2018.
Zelensky’s leadership has been especially notable during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
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