Sat Feb 15 13:20:53 UTC 2025: ## Zelensky Rejects US-Russia Talks on Ukraine Without Kyiv’s Involvement
**Munich, Germany** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a strong rebuke to the United States on Saturday, insisting that no peace negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine should proceed without Kyiv’s direct participation and the full involvement of Europe. His comments come after US President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the conflict.
Zelensky, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, declared that “no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine, no decisions about Europe without Europe.” He emphasized the need for a unified European stance and expressed concern that Trump’s initiative lacked a coherent strategy.
Zelensky highlighted the need for concrete security guarantees before any ceasefire, including robust sanctions against Russia and significant military support for Ukraine. While open to the deployment of European peacekeepers, he stressed the necessity of further discussions with European leaders.
He voiced skepticism about Putin’s intentions, suggesting that the Russian leader might exploit any negotiations with Trump for political gain, possibly inviting the US president to Russia’s Victory Day parade in May. Zelensky urged for a united front to pressure Russia into genuine peace talks, arguing that Putin, driven by a need for war to maintain power, cannot offer credible security assurances.
Zelensky also revealed ongoing discussions with Washington regarding a potential agreement involving Ukrainian rare earth deposits in exchange for increased security assistance. He issued a broader appeal to Europe, urging the continent to strengthen its unity and self-reliance in the face of continued Russian aggression, advocating for the creation of a European army. He warned that Europe cannot afford to be treated as a “pushover” by external powers.
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