Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong reservations about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal for a quick peace deal to end the Ukraine-Russia war. Speaking from Budapest, Zelenskyy warned that any rushed agreement would jeopardize Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
Zelenskyy Questions Trump’s “Quick Deal” Approach
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Trump’s proposed 24-hour solution to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Addressing journalists at a European leaders’ summit in Budapest, Zelenskyy said, “He [Trump] wants this war to be finished… but a fast solution would mean a loss for Ukraine.”
Trump, who won the U.S. presidential election this week, has repeatedly claimed he would negotiate a rapid peace deal by directly engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. However, Zelenskyy insisted that a hurried approach would not benefit Ukraine, particularly if it leads to compromising the country’s territorial integrity.
Ukrainian Leader Rejects Calls for Immediate Cease-Fire
During his address, Zelenskyy also responded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s plea for an immediate cease-fire, suggesting that such moves could ultimately harm Ukraine. Referring to a failed cease-fire agreement from 2014, Zelenskyy warned, “We tried a cease-fire before, and we lost Crimea. A quick, unstable agreement will only damage Ukraine’s independence.”
Orbán, who has maintained a more neutral stance in the conflict, advocated for “implementing a cease-fire first” and then negotiating peace terms. However, Zelenskyy reiterated that past cease-fires had failed to stop Russia’s advances, instead allowing Moscow to regroup and renew its offensive.
Risks of North Korean Involvement Increase as Pressure Drops
Zelenskyy also highlighted the growing threat of North Korean troop involvement in the conflict. He cautioned that unless Western allies increase political pressure, North Korea could deploy more soldiers to support Russia. “Without decisive actions, we risk seeing an increase in North Korean soldiers in the battlefield,” Zelenskyy stated.
He pointed out that Putin closely observes global reactions, and any perceived weakness could prompt him to bring in additional allies. This development further complicates the already tense situation, heightening the stakes in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty.
Trump’s Ambitions and Ukraine’s Reality Clash
The Trump camp’s ambition for a fast-track peace deal in Ukraine may appeal to voters hoping for an end to U.S. involvement abroad, but Zelenskyy argues it ignores the complexities on the ground. Trump has not detailed how he would execute this plan but has repeatedly claimed he could bring both sides to the table. Zelenskyy, however, stressed that Ukraine’s independence and safety cannot be sacrificed for speed.
Western powers, led by the Biden administration, have provided significant support to Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression. Zelenskyy reminded European leaders of the importance of continued, robust backing to ensure that any peace deal does not compromise Ukraine’s independence or territorial claims.
Zelenskyy’s Appeal for a “Fair End” Over a “Fast End”
As the Ukraine-Russia conflict continues with no immediate resolution in sight, Zelenskyy remains firm in his stance against any rushed peace deal that could compromise Ukraine’s autonomy. While Trump’s proposed quick fix may resonate with his supporters, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks a just and sustainable resolution, not one that weakens its position or rewards aggression.
The next steps remain uncertain, as Trump’s administration could reshape U.S. policy on Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy’s message from Budapest is clear: Ukraine will not accept a solution that undermines its hard-fought independence. The world now waits to see how the incoming U.S. administration will balance these competing pressures in a complex international landscape.
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