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Thursday, Nov 20, 2025
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Zelenskyy Asserts Ukraine Must Be Included in Ceasefire Talks Following Trump-Putin Call
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes Ukraine's necessity in negotiations as Russia outlines peace conditions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine cannot effectively proceed without Ukraine's participation.
His remarks followed a significant phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Russia proposed conditions for a potential ceasefire.
Putin's proposals reportedly include a complete cessation of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
In response, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine must be fully informed about the details of any agreements resulting from the discussions, stating, “We need to understand what the conversation is about.
What are the details?
And hopefully, we will be fully informed, and our partners will discuss everything with us.” He emphasized that engaging in negotiations without Ukraine will not yield productive results.
The initial response from the Kremlin has been to reject calls for an immediate ceasefire while outlining specific conditions it wishes to see addressed before the cessation of hostilities.
These include calls for an end to forced mobilization in Ukraine, as well as concerns over alleged violations of previous agreements by the Ukrainian government.
In an apparent concession, the White House indicated that a preliminary step towards peace may involve a 30-day ceasefire focused on halting attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
This proposal has been welcomed by Zelenskyy, although he insisted it must be officially agreed upon with Ukraine’s involvement.
The international implications of this call are noteworthy, as both leaders discussed a potential improved bilateral relationship, with significant economic and geopolitical benefits anticipated should a lasting peace be achieved.
The discussions are also set to include technical negotiations regarding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
In addition to the ceasefire discussions, Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to exchange 175 prisoners each.
The Kremlin has also committed to the transfer of 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen currently receiving medical treatment in Russia.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, the complexities of the conflict remain significant.
Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding the prospect of his allies applying pressure to halt military assistance, an essential condition laid out by the Kremlin as necessary for any peace deal.
He characterized the Russian proposals as indicative of a lack of readiness for a genuine resolution.
The situation remains fluid, with President Trump noting Ukraine’s challenging negotiating position amidst the ongoing conflict.
Reports have indicated that Ukrainian forces are facing strategic difficulties, having lost territorial gains from earlier offensives.
The developments highlight the intricacies of international diplomacy in the region, where leaders continue to navigate a path toward potential resolution while grappling with military and humanitarian considerations.
His remarks followed a significant phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Russia proposed conditions for a potential ceasefire.
Putin's proposals reportedly include a complete cessation of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
In response, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine must be fully informed about the details of any agreements resulting from the discussions, stating, “We need to understand what the conversation is about.
What are the details?
And hopefully, we will be fully informed, and our partners will discuss everything with us.” He emphasized that engaging in negotiations without Ukraine will not yield productive results.
The initial response from the Kremlin has been to reject calls for an immediate ceasefire while outlining specific conditions it wishes to see addressed before the cessation of hostilities.
These include calls for an end to forced mobilization in Ukraine, as well as concerns over alleged violations of previous agreements by the Ukrainian government.
In an apparent concession, the White House indicated that a preliminary step towards peace may involve a 30-day ceasefire focused on halting attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
This proposal has been welcomed by Zelenskyy, although he insisted it must be officially agreed upon with Ukraine’s involvement.
The international implications of this call are noteworthy, as both leaders discussed a potential improved bilateral relationship, with significant economic and geopolitical benefits anticipated should a lasting peace be achieved.
The discussions are also set to include technical negotiations regarding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
In addition to the ceasefire discussions, Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to exchange 175 prisoners each.
The Kremlin has also committed to the transfer of 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen currently receiving medical treatment in Russia.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, the complexities of the conflict remain significant.
Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding the prospect of his allies applying pressure to halt military assistance, an essential condition laid out by the Kremlin as necessary for any peace deal.
He characterized the Russian proposals as indicative of a lack of readiness for a genuine resolution.
The situation remains fluid, with President Trump noting Ukraine’s challenging negotiating position amidst the ongoing conflict.
Reports have indicated that Ukrainian forces are facing strategic difficulties, having lost territorial gains from earlier offensives.
The developments highlight the intricacies of international diplomacy in the region, where leaders continue to navigate a path toward potential resolution while grappling with military and humanitarian considerations.
