Zelenskyy Urges Caution Over Putin’s Peace Promises as US-Russia Talks Begin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned Western partners against taking Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declarations of wanting to conclude the war at face value. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not accept any negotiated settlement that does not have the country at the negotiating table, warning that any talks without a united front—including support from Europe and the US—would be inadequate for achieving lasting peace.

Donald Trump's efforts to set up peace talks by reaching out directly to Putin have stirred significant controversy in Europe, with leaders expressing disquiet over potential sidelining of their own interests. In discussions held with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength and secure robust security guarantees from its allies before any negotiations commence.

Meanwhile, European officials have voiced strong concerns that making premature concessions might embolden Moscow while undermining Ukraine’s negotiating power. Leaders such as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, alongside defence ministers from several European countries, have highlighted the risks of engaging in peace talks that might compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity or security, arguing for a cautious approach that retains Ukraine’s strategic advantages.

In response to these unfolding discussions, various international figures have stressed that Ukraine must remain at the center of any peace process if a durable resolution to the conflict is to be achieved. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and others have underlined the need to ensure that Ukraine’s position is both protected and strengthened, even as differing views continue to shape the dialogue on how best to achieve peace in the region.