Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s idea for a swift peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia, warning that a rushed agreement would harm Kyiv.
Zelensky’s comments came as he addressed journalists in Budapest, where he was attending a European leaders’ summit.
Trump, who secured his second presidential term this week, has frequently claimed he could end the war within 24 hours of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.
However, Zelensky expressed doubts about the feasibility and fairness of such a rapid resolution.
Concerns Over a ‘Quick Decision’
Zelensky voiced skepticism about Trump’s proposal, emphasizing that while Ukraine desires an end to the war, it cannot come at the expense of its independence.
“I believe that President Trump really wants a quick decision” to end the conflict, Zelensky remarked, but he added, “It doesn’t mean that it will happen this way.” He stressed that a peace process must be just and not risk leaving Ukraine vulnerable. “He [Trump] wants this war to be finished,” Zelensky continued, acknowledging that while everyone shares that goal, a hasty resolution “is going to be a loss for Ukraine.”
This caution highlights Zelensky’s concerns that Trump’s approach could lead to a ceasefire agreement that undermines Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The Ukrainian leader argued that any resolution with Russia should not simply halt hostilities but should secure a fair outcome for Kyiv, a sentiment echoed throughout his Budapest remarks.
Response to Orbán’s Call for ceasefire
Zelensky also responded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who urged a rapid ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
Orbán’s stance aligns with his pro-Russian policies, but Zelenskyy drew on recent history to argue against it. Recalling a failed 2014 ceasefire with Russia that led to Crimea’s annexation and set the stage for further conflict, Zelensky stated, “[A] ceasefire was tried back in 2014 … and we lost Crimea.”
He warned that an unenforceable ceasefire would merely set up conditions for Ukraine’s downfall, calling it “preparation to ruin and destroy our independence.”
Zelensky’s remarks reflect his belief that a sustainable peace requires more than a temporary pause in violence. The Ukrainian president’s stance underscores his reluctance to repeat past missteps with Russia, insisting on a settlement that fully protects Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Worry Over North Korea’s Growing Role
Zelensky’s concerns extended beyond peace talks, while he highlighted the involvement of North Korean soldiers on Russia’s side.
He urged Western allies to pressure Pyongyang to halt support for Russia, warning of escalating consequences. “If there is no political pressure, if there are no decisions, North Korea will increase the number of its soldiers,” he cautioned, adding that Putin continuously monitors global reactions to gauge the level of opposition.
Zelensky’s statements in Budapest served while both a warning to Western nations and a signal of his resistance to a hurried peace process.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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