Zelenskyy doubts Europe’s role in Ukraine peace talks

"Does anyone in the US worry that Europe might abandon them someday, might stop being their ally? The answer is no. Washington does not believe Europe can bring them something that is really substantial," stated the Ukrainian President.

Zelensky reminded that representatives of EU countries have previously placed security in the Pacific region as their top priority, followed by the Middle East, with Europe’s own security coming in third.

"Europe can't afford to be second or the first in line for its allies. If this happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe. And that is a world that wouldn't be comfortable or beneficial for all Europeans," Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that Europe must fight for a leading position in the global list of priorities and asserted that Europe must have a seat at the table in matters concerning Ukraine.

"I'm not just talking about Ukraine here. This should be a standard. Europe deserves to be more than just a bystander, with its leaders reduced to posting on X after an agreement has already been made. Europe needs to shape the terms of those deals. We need a completely new, bolder approach to tech companies and technological development. If we waste time, Europe will lose this century," Zelenskyy said.

Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

Ukraine and Russia are not currently engaged in peace talks to end the war. However, the Ukrainian side emphasizes that it is not abandoning diplomacy, but wants the negotiations to be on favorable terms.

Zelenskyy has previously stated that Ukraine needs to receive security guarantees to return to the negotiating table with Russia. This will help deter Moscow's aggression in the future.

Zelenskyy also noted that Trump could be the first leader to visit Ukraine by plane after a full-scale Russian invasion.