Zelensky Urges Trump: No Decisions About Ukraine Without Ukraine's Input

On February 13, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The purpose of the call was to discuss potential peace negotiations and the role of the United States in facilitating a resolution.

During the call, Zelensky emphasized the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any decisions regarding its future, stating, "Ukraine wants peace more than anyone else. We are defining our joint steps with America to stop Russian aggression and guarantee a reliable, lasting peace."

This conversation highlights the critical need for Ukraine to have a say in any peace talks and the ongoing efforts to involve the U.S. in finding a solution to the conflict.

The current situation in Ukraine is marked by an ongoing conflict with Russia, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The war has resulted in significant military and civilian casualties, with both sides experiencing heavy losses. Russia has maintained an offensive posture in various regions, including Donetsk and Kharkiv, while Ukraine continues to defend its territory.

Historically, the U.S. has had complex interactions with both Ukraine and Russia. During the Cold War, the U.S. and the Soviet Union (which included Ukraine) were adversaries. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the U.S. supported Ukraine's independence and sovereignty. In recent years, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with military aid and economic support, particularly in response to Russia's aggression.

The significance of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict lies in its role as a key ally and supporter of Ukraine. U.S. military assistance, including weapons and training, has bolstered Ukraine's defense capabilities. Additionally, U.S. economic sanctions on Russia have aimed to pressure Moscow to cease its military actions. The U.S. involvement underscores its commitment to supporting democratic nations and deterring aggression on the international stage.

The February 13 Phone Call

During the phone call on February 13, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump discussed various aspects of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The primary focus of their conversation was on potential peace negotiations and the critical role of the United States in supporting Ukraine.

President Zelensky emphasized the importance of ensuring that any decisions regarding Ukraine's future involve Ukraine's input. He stressed that Ukraine must be an active participant in any peace talks, stating,

"Ukraine wants peace more than anyone else. We are defining our joint steps with America to stop Russian aggression and guarantee a reliable, lasting peace." Zelensky's key message was clear: No decisions about Ukraine should be made without consulting Ukraine.

President Trump expressed his support for Ukraine and acknowledged the importance of involving Ukraine in any decisions. He stated, "We stand with Ukraine and support its sovereignty. It's essential that Ukraine has a voice in determining its own future."

The call underscored the need for collaboration and unity between Ukraine and the United States in addressing the conflict and working towards a peaceful resolution.

America Reacts

On February 13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing ending the war in Ukraine and planning state visits. Trump announced that negotiations would begin immediately, with the first meeting likely in Saudi Arabia. Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assuring him that U.S. aid would continue for the time being.

The call has significant implications for U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine. Trump's willingness to negotiate directly with Putin and his suggestion that NATO membership for Ukraine is impractical have raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and European allies. They fear that the U.S. may prioritize relations with Russia over Ukraine's security.

Despite these concerns, the U.S. continues to support Ukraine with military, humanitarian, and economic assistance. Since 2014, the U.S. has committed billions in aid to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression and ensure its government functions effectively during the conflict. The U.S. remains the largest single-country donor of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Response

The Ukrainian government and citizens reacted strongly to President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent message regarding his call with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky emphasized that any decisions about Ukraine's future should involve Ukraine directly, expressing distrust in Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions for a ceasefire. Ukrainian officials echoed this sentiment, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reaffirming Ukraine's commitment to NATO membership despite U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments suggesting otherwise.

Citizens expressed concern and frustration, fearing that sidelining Ukraine in peace talks could lead to unfavorable outcomes. The Ukrainian government's strategy now focuses on ensuring its involvement in any negotiations and maintaining strong international alliances. This situation has also strained Ukraine's relations with the U.S., as the new stance on NATO membership and security priorities diverges from previous commitments.

Zelensky's message and the subsequent reactions highlight the complexities of Ukraine's diplomatic landscape and the challenges it faces in balancing its national interests with international relations.

International Reaction

World leaders and international organizations have responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call to U.S. President Donald Trump with a mix of concern and support.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed regret over the U.S. administration's perceived concessions to Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine's NATO membership and territorial disputes should not be sidelined. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed Zelensky's sentiments, stressing the importance of Ukraine negotiating from a position of strength.

The broader geopolitical implications of Zelensky's message to Trump are significant. Zelensky's insistence on Ukraine's involvement in any peace talks underscores the country's desire for sovereignty and self-determination.

His warning against trusting Putin's claims of readiness to end the war highlights the ongoing distrust between Ukraine and Russia. This situation has also strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, with Trump's administration signaling a shift in priorities by sidelining Ukraine in discussions with Russia.

There have been notable changes in diplomatic efforts. The U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments about the unlikelihood of Ukraine joining NATO and the acceptance of Crimea's annexation by Russia mark a departure from previous U.S. policy.

These developments have prompted concerns among European allies about the potential for appeasement and the weakening of the West's stance against Russian aggression.

Global Consequences

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significant implications for global security and the international order. Experts from RAND Corporation and King's College London suggest that the war has disrupted the existing world order, including global systems of energy, production, distribution, and finance.

This disruption has undermined geopolitical stability and trust between nations. The conflict has also highlighted the dangers of modern warfare and the potential for escalation into a wider war involving NATO.

There are several approaches to resolution being considered. U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg is reportedly working on strategies to end the war, including diplomatic negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine.

President Donald Trump has also initiated separate peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. These efforts aim to address the conflicting interests and security concerns of both sides.

Ultimately, achieving peace in Ukraine will require a combination of diplomatic efforts, military support, and a willingness to compromise on key issues. The international community must continue to work together to find a sustainable solution that ensures the sovereignty and security of Ukraine while preventing further escalation of the conflict.