Trump pushes for Ukraine-Russia peace talks despite Kyiv's reluctance

U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that Ukraine will be part of upcoming peace talks with Russia, even as Kyiv maintains that negotiations remain premature.

Speaking at the White House on February 13, Trump said Ukraine would “have a seat at the table” in negotiations to end the war, Caliber.Az reported via foreign media.

“They're part of it. We would have Ukraine, and we have Russia, and we'll have other people involved, a lot of people,” Trump said.

When asked whether he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin, he added: “I believe that he would like to see something happen. I trust him on this subject.”

Trump stated that U.S. and Russian officials would meet in Munich on February 14, with Ukraine invited. However, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv does not expect to hold talks with Russia at the annual Munich Security Conference, arguing that the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine need a unified position before engaging with Moscow.

Trump also suggested a meeting of senior officials from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss ending the war. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed "the need for bold diplomacy" with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on February 13, the State Department said.

Russia’s financial markets surged, and Ukraine’s debt prices rose following prospects of renewed talks. However, Trump’s unilateral overture to Putin on February 12 raised concerns in Kyiv and NATO, with Zelenskyy warning, “We, as a sovereign country, simply will not be able to accept any agreements without us.”

European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed quick negotiations, stating, “Any quick fix is a dirty deal.” A European diplomatic source said ministers would engage in a “frank and demanding dialogue” with U.S. officials in Munich.

By Aghakazim Guliyev