Zelensky: I will never accept Trump and Putin's deal on Ukraine

(Patria) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with NBC during the Munich Security Conference, clearly stated that he will never accept a peace agreement between the US and Russia that would be agreed upon without Ukraine's participation.

- I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never. This is a war in Ukraine, against us, and our human casualties are at stake - Zelensky said.

The meetings in Munich brought together key figures from the Trump administration, several US senators, European leaders, and Zelensky himself to discuss future peace negotiations.

Zelensky commented on the role of US President Donald Trump, the future of NATO, and the threats that Russia poses to other European countries.

Speaking about the possibility of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, Zelensky called on European allies to get involved in the negotiations, warning of possible consequences if Russia is not stopped.

He specifically emphasized the danger of a larger Russian attack on Europe, mentioning military activity in Belarus and the risk to Poland and Lithuania.

- We know that he failed to capture us, but we don't know where he will go next. There is a risk that Putin will attack Poland and Lithuania, because we believe that the war will be waged against NATO - Zelensky said.

He warned that a US withdrawal from NATO would be catastrophic.

- If the US withdraws, it would mean the destruction of NATO. Without the US military threat, Russia would begin to occupy parts of Europe, especially former Soviet states - Zelensky added.

He praised the support of American leaders for Ukraine, but emphasized that there is no world leader who can reach an agreement with Putin without Ukraine.

- I think Putin is a little afraid of President Trump, and that Trump has an opportunity to push him into serious peace negotiations - Zelensky noted.

However, he warned Trump that he must always remain loyal to Ukraine in his talks with Putin.

- I want Ukraine to be a priority for Trump, not Russia. I hope we are more important - Zelensky said.

He also pointed out that Putin's words about a ceasefire should never be trusted, recalling the failed peace negotiations with Russia in 2019.

- Putin is a killer and he will never change. This is a dialogue with a terrorist, and our allies must help us stop him - Zelensky said.

Commenting on statements from the Trump administration that the return of territories occupied by Russia in 2014 is an unrealistic expectation, Zelensky was clear: "Legally, we will never recognize the occupied territories as part of Russia".

However, he admitted that a diplomatic agreement could be considered if it meant Ukraine's membership in NATO.

- If we are in NATO, then the return of territories through diplomacy would make sense. Our priority, of course, is not to lose people - Zelensky stated.

Despite all the challenges, he added that he believes Ukraine can win the war, but admitted that it would require huge sacrifices.

- Of course, we can win, but with great losses. If our partners do not help, it will be difficult and much longer than it should be - Zelensky concluded.