Zelensky says Trump could end Ukraine war in talks
Published: 05:01 PM,Jan 26,2025 | EDITED : 09:01 PM,Jan 26,2025
People walk past at a street exhibition displaying destroyed Russian military vehicles, in Kyiv, Ukraine. — Reuters
KYIV: US President Donald Trump could fulfil his promise to end the war in Ukraine, but only if he includes Kyiv in any talks, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. Zelensky also said the terms of any deal that might arise under Trump were still unclear - and might not even be clear to Trump himself — because Russian President Vladimir Putin had no interest in ending the war. Trump, who took office last week, promised during his election campaign to end the war within his first 24 hours in the White House, without saying how. Aides have since suggested that a deal could take months.
Ending the war would not be possible unless Trump includes Ukraine itself in any negotiations, Zelensky told reporters alongside Moldova's president, Maia Sandu, a visiting ally. 'Otherwise it will not work. Because Russia does not want to end the war, while Ukraine wants to end it,' he said. In a separate interview broadcast later on Saturday, Zelensky said he believed Trump truly wanted to see an end to the war, nearing the three-year mark next month. 'For now, we don't know how this will happen because we don't know the details,' Zelensky told Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was released this month after being detained for 21 days in Iran. 'I believe President Trump himself does not know all the details. Because I would say so much depends on what sort of just peace we can achieve. And whether Putin wants, in principle, to stop the war. I believe he doesn't want to.'
Kyiv, long worried about the prospect of its fate being decided by bigger powers without its participation, has said it is working to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Trump. Addressing journalists earlier alongside Sandu, Zelensky said he believed European allies should also be included in any future peace talks. 'As for what the set-up of the talks will be: Ukraine, I really hope Ukraine will be there, America, Europe and the Russians,' Zelensky said. 'Yes, I would really want that Europe would take part, because we will be members of the European Union,' he said. Ukraine and Moldova both submitted applications to join the EU days after Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defences downed 50 of 72 drones launched by Russia overnight and attacked one of Russia's largest oil refineries, Ukraine's military said on Sunday. Military and civilian authorities did not immediately report casualties or damages. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had used 1,250 aerial bombs, over 750 attack drones and more than 20 missiles to attack Ukraine over the past week. 'Only determination can stop such terrorists. We are constantly working with our partners to strengthen our defence capabilities and to reduce Russia's ability to terrorise Ukraine,' Zelensky said on Telegram messenger. 'Long-range capabilities are crucial. Sanctions are essential. Lowering the price of oil is important. The key is to act in unity and protect lives with resolve,' he added. Kyiv's general staff said on Sunday its forces attacked Russia's Ryazan oil refinery again last night and explosions and fire were reported in the target area.
Russia's Defence Ministry said on Sunday that its air defence systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over Russia and two sea drones in the Black Sea. It said eight drones were downed over the Ryazan region, six drones were destroyed in the Kursk region and one drone was hit over the Belgorod region overnight. Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov said on Sunday there were no casualties in the latest drone attacks but authorities were still estimating the damage. Reuters
Ending the war would not be possible unless Trump includes Ukraine itself in any negotiations, Zelensky told reporters alongside Moldova's president, Maia Sandu, a visiting ally. 'Otherwise it will not work. Because Russia does not want to end the war, while Ukraine wants to end it,' he said. In a separate interview broadcast later on Saturday, Zelensky said he believed Trump truly wanted to see an end to the war, nearing the three-year mark next month. 'For now, we don't know how this will happen because we don't know the details,' Zelensky told Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was released this month after being detained for 21 days in Iran. 'I believe President Trump himself does not know all the details. Because I would say so much depends on what sort of just peace we can achieve. And whether Putin wants, in principle, to stop the war. I believe he doesn't want to.'
Kyiv, long worried about the prospect of its fate being decided by bigger powers without its participation, has said it is working to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Trump. Addressing journalists earlier alongside Sandu, Zelensky said he believed European allies should also be included in any future peace talks. 'As for what the set-up of the talks will be: Ukraine, I really hope Ukraine will be there, America, Europe and the Russians,' Zelensky said. 'Yes, I would really want that Europe would take part, because we will be members of the European Union,' he said. Ukraine and Moldova both submitted applications to join the EU days after Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian air defences downed 50 of 72 drones launched by Russia overnight and attacked one of Russia's largest oil refineries, Ukraine's military said on Sunday. Military and civilian authorities did not immediately report casualties or damages. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had used 1,250 aerial bombs, over 750 attack drones and more than 20 missiles to attack Ukraine over the past week. 'Only determination can stop such terrorists. We are constantly working with our partners to strengthen our defence capabilities and to reduce Russia's ability to terrorise Ukraine,' Zelensky said on Telegram messenger. 'Long-range capabilities are crucial. Sanctions are essential. Lowering the price of oil is important. The key is to act in unity and protect lives with resolve,' he added. Kyiv's general staff said on Sunday its forces attacked Russia's Ryazan oil refinery again last night and explosions and fire were reported in the target area.
Russia's Defence Ministry said on Sunday that its air defence systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over Russia and two sea drones in the Black Sea. It said eight drones were downed over the Ryazan region, six drones were destroyed in the Kursk region and one drone was hit over the Belgorod region overnight. Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov said on Sunday there were no casualties in the latest drone attacks but authorities were still estimating the damage. Reuters