Trump Dismisses Zelensky’s Role in Ukraine Ceasefire Talks, Says US Will Lead Peace Efforts

Washington, February 21, 2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has downplayed the role of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv’s leader is not essential to the ceasefire discussions.

In an audio interview with Fox News on Friday, Trump stated, “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings. He’s been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals.”

Kyiv and European Allies Left Out of Talks

Trump’s remarks come amid growing concerns from Ukraine and European allies that they are being sidelined in diplomatic discussions regarding the war, which began in 2022 following Russia’s invasion. Reports indicate that Russian officials and top diplomats recently met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire, with Kyiv notably excluded from the talks.

This move has further escalated tensions between Trump and Ukraine, particularly after the Republican leader referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” and falsely suggested that Ukraine had instigated the war.

Trump’s Vision for Ending the War

Trump has repeatedly called for an end to the ongoing conflict and insists that the United States should lead negotiations to broker peace. However, his direct engagement with Moscow and his exclusion of Kyiv from talks have sparked criticism from Ukrainian officials and European leaders, who fear that any settlement reached without Ukraine’s involvement could undermine its sovereignty and security.

Addressing Zelensky’s concerns about not being included in recent ceasefire discussions, Trump remarked, “He complains that he’s not in a meeting that we’re having with Saudi Arabia trying to intermediate peace.”

Global Reactions to Trump's Comments

The former president’s stance has drawn strong reactions from Ukraine’s allies, many of whom argue that any negotiation process must include Kyiv as a primary participant. European Union officials have reiterated that Ukraine’s leadership must play a decisive role in any peace efforts, warning that excluding Zelensky could legitimize Russia’s aggression.

Meanwhile, Russia has welcomed the prospect of talks facilitated by U.S. leadership, though analysts caution that any peace deal brokered under these circumstances would likely favor Moscow’s strategic interests.

As Trump continues to advocate for his approach to resolving the conflict, the debate over the legitimacy and fairness of Ukraine’s exclusion from key diplomatic efforts is expected to intensify.