Zelensky Seeks Trump’s Support for Direct Talks with Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to former U.S. President Donald Trump for support in establishing direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year. This development comes amid stalled peace negotiations and continued fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Trump Backs Leader-Level Discussions
According to Zelensky, a recent phone call with Trump resulted in the former president endorsing “leader-level” talks between Ukraine and Russia. “We expect this meeting to create an opportunity to move talks to the leaders’ level. President Trump supports this sequence of steps,” Zelensky stated. The Independent reports that Zelensky believes this is “the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues and finally conclude the war.”
Zelensky’s Anniversary Address and Call for Action
The push for direct talks coincides with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a video address posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky marked the anniversary by stating that Putin has not achieved his goals and has failed to break the Ukrainian spirit. Newsweek reported Zelensky also issued a direct appeal to Trump to visit Ukraine, believing a firsthand experience would demonstrate the reality of the conflict.
Zelensky delivered his address from an underground bunker in Kyiv, recalling a 2022 conversation with President Joe Biden where he requested ammunition instead of evacuation. He emphasized the need for international pressure on Russia, stating that a visit from Trump would clarify “who the aggressor is here and who must be pressured.”
Stalled Peace Negotiations
Despite Trump-backed peace negotiations, significant progress remains elusive. Zelensky acknowledged that recent U.S.-led talks in Switzerland yielded no agreement on critical issues. Newsweek reported Russia continues to demand control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and seeks to expand its control within Donetsk.
Ukraine’s Defense Efforts
Ukraine is also focused on bolstering its defenses against drone attacks. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced plans to accelerate the deployment of anti-drone nets along 4,000km of roads in frontline areas by the end of the year. The Independent reports that 20km of roads are slated to be covered daily in March.
Zelensky’s Perspective on the War
In interviews with various media outlets, Zelensky rejected the notion that Ukraine is losing the war, citing an estimated 1.2 million Russian casualties. TIME reports Zelensky also argued that Putin has already begun a Third World War, and Ukraine is working to prevent its escalation. He urged Trump to “stay on our side.”
As the conflict continues, Ukraine remains reliant on international support and is actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to achieve a peaceful resolution, including direct engagement with Russia facilitated by international partners.