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Friday, Mar 07, 2025
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Zelenskyy Seeks Security Guarantees as Trump Meeting Approaches
Ukraine's President emphasizes need for peace assurances amid U.S. policy shifts regarding NATO membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted the necessity of 'guarantees of peace and security' as he prepares for a critical meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday.
In a video address, Zelenskyy highlighted the extensive international efforts underway in advance of the negotiations, stating, "Peace and security guarantees are the key to ensuring that Russia can no longer destroy the lives of other nations." He emphasized the importance of ongoing U.S. support, indicating that, "For me and for all of us in the world, it’s important that US support is not stopped.
Strength is needed on the path to peace.”
The upcoming discussions follow Trump's recent comments in which he indicated that Ukraine could “forget about” joining NATO, a statement that diverges from previous U.S. commitments under former President Joe Biden, who supported Ukraine's eventual NATO membership without providing a specific timeline.
Trump, speaking during a cabinet meeting, expressed skepticism about making extensive security guarantees, suggesting instead that Europe should assume greater responsibility for Ukraine’s security, asserting, "We’re going to have Europe do that."
Additionally, Trump confirmed that Zelenskyy would visit Washington to sign a significant agreement concerning rare earth minerals, which are crucial for various technological applications.
Trump described this deal as a way for the U.S. to recover investments and further engage in the region, stating, "It's a great deal for Ukraine, too, because they get us over there."
Zelenskyy previously articulated that without future security guarantees, no definitive peace could be achieved, indicating that without such assurances, Ukraine would not accept a ceasefire.
He described the arrangement with the U.S. surrounding the minerals as a preliminary agreement, with specifics yet to be finalized.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the minerals deal had been agreed upon, and the U.S. is expected to back Kyiv in its search for security guarantees.
Shmyhal remarked, "We will never sign or consider a colonial treaty that did not take into account the interests of the state,” underlining the sovereignty concerns central to Ukraine’s dealings.
In related developments, a planned meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, was abruptly canceled, with scheduling conflicts cited.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian diplomats are set to engage in talks in Istanbul focusing on the operational status of diplomatic missions, explicitly excluding discussions on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is also slated to visit the UK over the weekend to participate in discussions centred on European defense amid broader geopolitical concerns.
The dynamics of the impending Trump-Zelenskyy meeting could significantly influence U.S.-Ukraine relations, particularly regarding military aid and security postures in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
In a video address, Zelenskyy highlighted the extensive international efforts underway in advance of the negotiations, stating, "Peace and security guarantees are the key to ensuring that Russia can no longer destroy the lives of other nations." He emphasized the importance of ongoing U.S. support, indicating that, "For me and for all of us in the world, it’s important that US support is not stopped.
Strength is needed on the path to peace.”
The upcoming discussions follow Trump's recent comments in which he indicated that Ukraine could “forget about” joining NATO, a statement that diverges from previous U.S. commitments under former President Joe Biden, who supported Ukraine's eventual NATO membership without providing a specific timeline.
Trump, speaking during a cabinet meeting, expressed skepticism about making extensive security guarantees, suggesting instead that Europe should assume greater responsibility for Ukraine’s security, asserting, "We’re going to have Europe do that."
Additionally, Trump confirmed that Zelenskyy would visit Washington to sign a significant agreement concerning rare earth minerals, which are crucial for various technological applications.
Trump described this deal as a way for the U.S. to recover investments and further engage in the region, stating, "It's a great deal for Ukraine, too, because they get us over there."
Zelenskyy previously articulated that without future security guarantees, no definitive peace could be achieved, indicating that without such assurances, Ukraine would not accept a ceasefire.
He described the arrangement with the U.S. surrounding the minerals as a preliminary agreement, with specifics yet to be finalized.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the minerals deal had been agreed upon, and the U.S. is expected to back Kyiv in its search for security guarantees.
Shmyhal remarked, "We will never sign or consider a colonial treaty that did not take into account the interests of the state,” underlining the sovereignty concerns central to Ukraine’s dealings.
In related developments, a planned meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, was abruptly canceled, with scheduling conflicts cited.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian diplomats are set to engage in talks in Istanbul focusing on the operational status of diplomatic missions, explicitly excluding discussions on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is also slated to visit the UK over the weekend to participate in discussions centred on European defense amid broader geopolitical concerns.
The dynamics of the impending Trump-Zelenskyy meeting could significantly influence U.S.-Ukraine relations, particularly regarding military aid and security postures in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
