Zelensky and Europe in shock: Trump dumps Ukraine in favor of Putin

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has undoubtedly experienced one of the most difficult weeks of his term related to peace talks aimed at ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Initially confident after positive signals from the United States, he hoped for coordination with Donald Trump before any discussions with Vladimir Putin.

But the Trump administration is seeking to exclude Ukraine from any possibility of joining NATO and participating in a future peace agreement, preferring to conduct negotiations directly with Putin, in a direction evidently favorable to Russian interests. 

This change of course and strategy from the White House has created shock and provoked strong reactions from Zelensky and European leaders. 

Trump discussed for 90 minutes with Putin a possible peace agreement in Ukraine, without the involvement of any Ukrainian or European representatives. 

His statements that followed hinted at a major change in the position of the United States on the conflict.

Trump’s statements were shocking as he suggested that Ukraine had chosen to be invaded, refused to consider it an equal partner, and implied that Russia perhaps deserved the territories it has conquered.

The most controversial statement made by Trump was his claim that Ukraine could someday belong to Russia… while demanding reimbursement for the funds invested by the United States in military aid. He also insisted on receiving 50% of Ukrainian mining resources in exchange for the support provided, a proposal that Zelensky firmly rejected.

At the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky advocated for the unification of Europe around a common defense, asserting that Europe could no longer depend on the United States.

He emphasized the necessity of a genuine European defense project to counter the Russian threat. According to him, only a strong and united Europe can guarantee its security, without relying on American protection that could disappear at any moment.

This position marks a turning point: in the face of an American disengagement, Zelensky urges Europe to take its own responsibilities in terms of defense, rather than being a secondary actor in decisions made by a United States that is becoming less and less reliable, comments that were applauded by the audience present at the conference.