Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, finds himself in a precarious position as he navigates a diplomatic minefield involving the United States and Russia. Zelenskyy must tread carefully, especially in his interactions with former US President Donald Trump, whose recent comments and actions have raised significant concerns in Kyiv. The situation is further complicated by Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, which have been met with resistance from the US Department of Defense.
In a recent development, Trump released a memo of a call with Zelenskyy that suggested Ukraine might have to concede half of its mineral wealth without receiving any security guarantees. This revelation has sparked fears of potential loss of sovereignty if such terms are accepted. Zelenskyy, who has been cautious about directly criticizing Trump, has expressed concerns about the implications of these discussions on Ukraine's national interests.
The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has unequivocally stated that Ukraine’s NATO membership is off the table, along with any US involvement in enforcing a peace deal. Meanwhile, Trump's suggestion that Russia might deserve to keep occupied Ukrainian territories due to their efforts in securing them adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic conundrum.
Zelenskyy has also highlighted the difficulties of conducting elections amidst ongoing conflict. Many Ukrainians fear that a hasty agreement with Trump could jeopardize their nation's autonomy. Informal polls indicate that Zelenskyy remains a popular figure and would likely win re-election, but any potential defeat could severely impact Ukraine's sovereignty.
Trump's priority appears to be the recovery of US funds spent on aid to Ukraine over recent years. He conducted a lengthy 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a press conference where he dismantled years of US support rhetoric for Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, Zelenskyy remains hopeful about forthcoming negotiations with the United States. However, he is wary of the possible consequences of any deal made during Trump's administration. His reluctance to swiftly enter negotiations is echoed by Vadym Prystaiko, who warns that "the earlier we get to the table the worse the outcome will be."
"The earlier we get to the table the worse the outcome will be" – Vadym Prystaiko
Ukraine's resilience throughout the conflict has been notable. In February 2022, many observers expected Russian forces to capture Kyiv within days. However, three years later, Ukraine continues to withstand the pressure, with Russian troops still fighting for control over parts of the Donbas region.
Zelenskyy firmly opposes any requirement for Ukraine to cede half of its mineral wealth, viewing such terms as detrimental to national interests. He also remains critical of Trump's insinuation that Ukraine chose to engage in what he dubbed a "bad war."
"You are absolutely right. Not only 100%, but actually 1,000%." – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
"Those who are helping us to save Ukraine will [have the chance to] renovate it, with their businesses together with Ukrainian businesses. All these things we are ready to speak about in detail." – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The issue of elections in Ukraine has become a contentious topic, frequently discussed by both Trump and Kremlin officials. Zelenskyy maintains that the decision to hold elections is solely within the purview of Ukraine and its citizens.
"It's an internal question… nobody, not even someone with a very serious position, can just say, 'I want elections tomorrow.' That's the sovereign right of Ukraine and Ukrainians." – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The atmosphere in Kyiv is tense as citizens express their discontent with recent developments. A source in Kyiv commented on the situation:
"It made people quite upset." – A source in Kyiv
Ukrainians draw strength from their resilience and determination to maintain sovereignty. A popular saying encapsulates their resolve:
"Don't fall down before you're shot" – A Ukrainian saying
Despite the pressure for swift negotiations, many in Ukraine believe there are still viable options for achieving favorable outcomes without capitulating to unfavorable terms.
"It's counterintuitive, and I know it's painful. But there are still ways. We don't have to give up." – Vadym Prystaiko
A senior security source emphasized the high cost of time spent deliberating:
"We have time, but we are paying heavily for that time, first of all in the lives of our people." – A senior security source