Unfortunately, as Russia continues to shell Ukrainian cities daily, kill our people, and destroy infrastructure, it is too early to talk about real peace. Putin uses negotiations as a cover to continue his aggression.
On the talk show “New Countdown,” they discussed the worsening relations between Kyiv and Washington, the prospects for peace negotiations, and what Ukraine should be doing today.
We have the right to disappointment and resentment over Donald Trump’s decisions. But we do not have the right to let emotions destroy the strategic partnership with the United States. Deepening the crisis between Kyiv and Washington is exactly what the Kremlin wants.
Our task is not to defeat the American president in a war of words, but to get missiles for air defense, weapons for our warriors, and save the lives of Ukrainians. This requires professional diplomacy, constant dialogue with the White House, bipartisan support in Congress, and systematic interaction with American defense and security institutions.
At the same time, Ukraine’s strong negotiating positions should rely on five components: sufficient armament and its joint production, tougher sanctions against Russia, stable financial support from partners, real progress towards EU membership, and strengthening internal resilience.
The first point of any peace plan must be a complete and unconditional ceasefire. First, Russia should stop killing Ukrainians, and only then can the terms of a fair peace be agreed upon.
We need a shift from the “peace through business deals” strategy currently pursued by the Trump Administration to a “peace through strength” policy.
And most importantly: Ukraine needs a stronger Europe together with the US, not Europe instead of the US. Preserving America’s involvement, enhancing European support, and convincing partners that Ukraine’s success aligns with their own strategic interests is the key task of our diplomacy.
More details — in the video from the “New Countdown” broadcast.
What will result from the escalation of relations between Zelensky and Trump? Can we conclude that the US is turning away from Ukraine? How should Ukraine act if the US completely stops critical support?
This and more in the new episode of the talk show “New Countdown” with Andriy Dikhtyarenko and Vlasta Lazur along with invited guests:
- Volodymyr Ohryzko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2007–2009), head of the Center for Russian Studies,
- Kostyantyn Yeliseyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, head of the NGO “Center for New Solutions,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2007–2010), representative of Ukraine to the European Union (2010–2015),
- Denys Yaroslavskyi, Officer of the Rapid Reaction Joint Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,
- Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center,
- Myroslava Gongadze, journalist, public figure, international policy expert, former head of “Voice of America” in Eastern Europe.
