Zelenskyy calls for US leadership in peace efforts amid Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised the critical role of the United States in achieving a lasting resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging Western allies to avoid sidelining Kyiv in any peace negotiations.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelenskyy underscored that European support alone is insufficient to counter Russian aggression and push for peace, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“It can’t be without the United States,” Zelenskyy said. “Even if some European friends think it can be, no, it can’t be. Nobody will risk without the United States.”

Zelenskiy’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Ukraine intensify, with U.S. President Donald Trump promising swift action to bring the conflict to a close. Trump, who recently returned to the White House, is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days.

“Ending the war should be a victory for Trump, not for Putin,” Zelenskyy said. “Putin is nobody to him.”

Zelenskyy also expressed his frustration over limited engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasising China’s potential influence in pressuring Russia toward peace. “He can push Putin for peace, I’m sure,” Zelenskyy noted. “Putin’s economy depends very much on China.”

China has provided diplomatic and economic support to Russia throughout the conflict, with Chinese companies reportedly supplying materials to the Russian military, according to the European Union. Despite this, Zelenskyy is keen to involve Beijing in peace discussions, viewing Xi as a pivotal figure in influencing Moscow.

As talks of potential ceasefires emerge, Zelenskyy is adamant about securing robust security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe to prevent future Russian aggression. “The only question is what security guarantees, and honestly, I want to have understanding before the talks,” he said.

Zelenskyy also voiced concerns over the prospect of peace agreements being brokered without Ukraine’s involvement, referencing the 2015 Minsk negotiations. “We do not want this to happen behind the backs of Ukraine,” he said. “I very much believe that the U.S. won’t do that, although I’m not sure that earlier this did not happen. Here I’m speaking not just about America, but some European partners.”

While Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenges of mobilising additional troops under Ukraine’s current conscription laws, he reiterated his stance that weapons and military equipment are of greater necessity. “Why mobilise even younger people?” he questioned. “So that there are even more people without weapons?”

With Trump’s new administration raising cautious optimism among European allies, Zelenskyy seeks to position the U.S. as a decisive force in ensuring a durable peace. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump warned Putin to end the war or face severe economic consequences, stating, “We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better.”

Zelenskyy remains resolute that any peace deal must prioritise Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security. “If he [Trump] can guarantee this strong and irreversible security for Ukraine, we will move along this diplomatic path,” he said.

By Vugar Khalilov