Zelenskyy rejects talks with Putin without unified position of Ukraine, Europe and US

Zelenskyy mentioned that he held a phone call with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk today.

"We discussed the conditions necessary for lasting and real peace in Ukraine and agreed that no negotiations with Putin can begin without a unified position of Ukraine, Europe, and the US," the President said.

Zelenskyy also informed Tusk about his conversation with US President Donald Trump. They discussed key messages and the need for coordination of positions among all Europeans to achieve successful outcomes for all of Europe.

"I emphasized that Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength, with strong and reliable security guarantees, and that NATO membership would be the most economically beneficial for our partners. Another important guarantee is serious investments in Ukraine's defense industry," the President added.

Zelenskyy also warned world leaders not to trust Putin's words about his willingness to end the war.

Trump’s talks with Putin and Zelenskyy

On February 12, Trump and Putin held a phone conversation during which, among other topics, they discussed the war in Ukraine.

That same day, the US leader also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Later, Trump said he had held "great talks" with both Russia and Ukraine, adding that there is a good opportunity to end the war.

At the same time, several European and Ukrainian media outlets have begun suggesting that the direct conversation between Trump and Putin may indicate that the US could negotiate peace in Ukraine without Ukraine or European countries involved.

In particular, British Defense Secretary John Healey believes that negotiations on Ukraine cannot take place without it, and that Ukraine's voice should be at the center of any negotiations.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy insists on Europe’s involvement in the negotiations, emphasizing that Ukraine needs fair partners.