Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear. He will not entertain any peace negotiations with Russia unless he is an active participant in the talks. Following a last-minute cancellation of a joint press conference, Zelensky described his recent conversation with US envoy Keith Kellogg as a “good discussion.”
The meeting took place in Kyiv, where sources within Ukraine informed the BBC that Kellogg seems to be increasingly marginalized by the Trump administration. At the same time, Vice President JD Vance voiced that “everything is on the table” regarding potential negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz has urged Ukraine to temper its criticisms of the United States and to consider a proposed minerals agreement that the Trump administration is advocating. Tensions escalated recently when President Trump labeled Zelensky a “dictator,” following Zelensky’s accusation that Trump was “immersed in a disinformation space” orchestrated by Russia.
The Kremlin has reiterated its stance against NATO countries deploying military forces to Ukraine, even as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his willingness to position troops on the ground as part of any peace arrangement.
In the midst of a growing disconnect between Washington and Kyiv, Trump’s national security adviser has insisted that Zelensky engage in discussions regarding a crucial minerals deal with the United States. Zelensky had previously dismissed the proposed agreement, expressing concerns that the US had provided no concrete security assurances in exchange for Ukraine’s mineral resources to help offset wartime aid.
Frustration within the Trump administration appears to be mounting, stemming from Zelensky’s reluctance to take advantage of the opportunity presented to him. The criticism intensified after the US canceled a planned press briefing featuring Zelensky and the US envoy.
These developments followed Trump’s controversial remarks about the conflict, where he referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” and implied that Ukraine was given responsibility for the war that erupted in 2022.
His statements drew backlash across Europe, with leaders condemning the characterization of the conflict and expressing concern over the reliability of the US as a security ally. Trump has long argued that the United States carries too great a burden in ensuring European security, calling for greater contributions from European nations.
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https://www.rev.com/transcripts/volodymyr-zelenskyy-on-meet-the-press-2-16-25
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