Zelensky cautions US against rewarding Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned the United States against rewarding Russia for its ongoing invasion, as a delegation sent by former President Donald Trump prepared to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Facing growing pressure from the White House to accept a peace plan, Zelensky traveled to Paris to seek support from European allies.

During his visit, he joined French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for a final phone discussion with US envoy Steve Witkoff before Witkoffs departure to Moscow. Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Zelensky stated, We must ensure Russia does not perceive any benefits from this war.

The comments come amidst intense US-led diplomatic efforts to end Russias nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian and American officials met in Miami over the weekend and into Monday to refine a deal that could be presented to Putin.

The US delegations original 28-point plan proposed that Ukraine cede control of its eastern Donbas regions and limit its military forces following a ceasefire. Kyiv has sought to moderate these terms, leaving sensitive topics such as territorial swaps and restrictions on NATO troops for direct discussions between Zelensky and Trump.

On Monday, Zelensky acknowledged the complexity of negotiations, saying, The question of territory and land is the most difficult. We anticipate a conversation with the US president on key and challenging issues. He added that discussions centered on ending the war and ensuring security guarantees.

European Leaders Emphasize Kyivs Role

Macron emphasized that any resolution must involve Ukraine and its European partners. No plan regarding territorial issues is finalized; it can only be confirmed by President Zelensky, he told reporters. Decisions on frozen assets, security guarantees, EU accession, and sanctions require European participation, he added.

Zelensky also met with Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, in Paris. European leaders expressed concern over previous versions of Trumps peace plan, which appeared to make unilateral decisions on behalf of the EU and NATO.

In a show of solidarity, leaders from the UK, France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, the EU, and NATO held a video conference with Zelensky. He stressed the importance of full leadership engagement, posting on social media, Much now depends on the involvement of every leader.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the need for a coordinated Europe-US approach, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called this week pivotal for diplomacy and warned against forcing Ukraine into a deal negotiated solely between Witkoff and Putin.

US Delegation Heads to Moscow

The US delegation, including Jared Kushner, will meet Putin following two days of negotiations with a Ukrainian delegation led by national security adviser Rustem Umerov. Umerov reported progress but noted that some matters need further discussion. Ukrainian officials insist they will not withdraw from Donetsk or abandon NATO aspirations as conditions for peace.

Despite US suggestions that Putin may be willing to negotiate, Russia has so far resisted major concessions. Trump indicated a potential for a deal during a press briefing, but Moscows stance remains uncertain. Kallas remarked that Russias negotiation focus is on gaining additional benefits rather than compromise.

Recent Russian Advances and Regional Tensions

In the last month, Russia made its largest territorial gains in Ukraine in a year, capturing 701 square kilometers and controlling parts of 19.3% of the country. Russian forces also launched a missile strike on the central city of Dnipro, killing four and injuring 40.

Meanwhile, NATO has considered a more proactive stance in the conflict, with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone describing potential pre-emptive defensive actions. Russia has also been implicated in several incidents targeting European airports and deployed a spy ship near the UK, signaling attempts to deter Western support for Ukraine.

The EU announced plans for new sanctions against Belarus in response to a recent cross-border hybrid attack involving balloons sent into Lithuania.

Author: Sophia Brooks