Zelenskyy Urges Stronger US Support, Criticizes Exclusion from Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for stronger backing from former US President Donald Trump while criticizing Kyiv’s exclusion from recent negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Speaking at Ankara Esenboga Airport after a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskyy expressed his concern over US-Russia talks in Riyadh, the first direct meeting between American and Russian diplomats since the war began in 2022.

“I would like Trump to be more on our side,” he said, emphasizing the need to maintain bipartisan US support. He also questioned the legitimacy of any negotiations held without Ukraine’s involvement. “This war is happening in Ukraine. Ukrainians are dying. We must be at the table.”

Zelenskyy stressed that true peace requires security guarantees, not just a ceasefire, and called for wider European representation in negotiations, a topic he discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Meeting with Erdogan

During his visit to Türkiye, Zelenskyy met with Erdogan to discuss defense cooperation, trade, and a potential prisoner exchange. He highlighted Türkiye’s role in aiding Ukraine, including its support for defense projects such as drone collaborations with Turkish firm Baykar and the construction of corvettes for Ukraine’s navy.

Trade between Türkiye and Ukraine has surpassed $6 billion, and Zelenskyy expressed optimism about reaching $10 billion once a Free Trade Agreement is finalized. He also invited Erdogan to Ukraine to formalize the deal.

EU and NATO Aspirations

On Ukraine’s NATO membership, Zelenskyy noted that most European leaders support it, though countries like Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and the US remain hesitant. He also emphasized Ukraine’s need for economic security, stating, “For this, we must join a big market like the European Union.”

Ukraine’s Natural Resources

Addressing a US proposal to access Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, Zelenskyy insisted that any deal must include security guarantees. “If we are giving something, we should get something in return,” he said, underscoring Ukraine’s significant natural resources and the need to protect them from Russian occupation.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty, stating, “We do not want to be a raw material hub for any continent. I will protect our land and our interests.”