In brief
In a recent interview in Istanbul, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a “big agreement” discussed by former President Donald Trump could be dangerous for Ukraine and Europe. Zelenskyy noted that Russia is seeking to reshape European security, a move he fears could undermine the continent’s cohesion. He voiced support for a ceasefire and emphasized the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that a peace deal voiced by former U.S. President Donald Trump could pose risks to Ukraine and Europe. The comment came after Trump confirmed in the Oval Office that he had met with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and hinted at a “big agreement” involving more than Ukraine, possibly all of Europe.
During the meeting, Trump told reporters that he could not disclose the details of the discussion, but said, “It’s going to be an agreement, it’s going to be a big agreement. … It’s going to involve more than Ukraine, and I could even say it might involve all of Europe. It’s going to be a big, beautiful agreement, and everyone’s going to be thrilled.”
“Between us, for me it’s not simple, and it can be dangerous.”
In a separate interview with CNN in Istanbul, Zelenskyy echoed concerns over the ambiguity of the proposed pact. He said, “We didn’t see yet any kind of demonstration and signals from the Russian side that they are ready to do something. That’s why it’s dangerous.”
Zelenskyy added that Russia’s current diplomatic stance is less about settling the war and more about influencing a new security architecture for Europe, a development he described as “dangerous for all in Europe, but more so for the EU rather than Ukraine.”
He also warned against repeating the 1945 Yalta Conference, saying, “We don’t want to have Yalta, Yalta 2. We are not ready for such a format. We don’t want to be divided by Russia.” This underscores a fear that any new arrangement could fracture existing European unity.
Despite these cautions, Zelenskyy expressed support for a ceasefire in Ukraine followed by de‑escalation. He labeled such talks “useful and very important,” but pushed that any framework must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity: “At least, neighbors must respect sovereignty, or it will never become a free, democratic country.”
The Ukrainian leader stressed that the core of any agreement must rest on Ukraine’s right to live without external interference. He stressed that the country’s territorial integrity has been repeatedly threatened and that any compromise must not endanger the gains already secured on the front lines.
In the broader geopolitical context, Kremlin officials have suggested that a new security architecture could usher in a multipolar world, a notion that Moscow has used to justify its actions in Ukraine. If adopted, it could shift the balance of power in Europe, a consequence Zelenskyy sees as a threat to the continent’s post‑Cold War unity.
As the war continues, President Zelenskyy’s warning echoes a broader caution among European politicians who fear the implications of a waiver of Ukrainian sovereignty in exchange for peace. The United Nations and the European Union have both repeatedly urged a settlement that secures Ukraine’s territorial integrity and neutrality, yet the details of the proposed “big agreement” remain elusive.
At present, there are no public signs that the Russian side is ready to adopt the terms espoused by Trump. Analysts say that any substantial shift will require clear signals of intent from Moscow, which has so far focused on military pressure rather than diplomatic overtures.
In an environment where the status of Ukraine is a key lever in the broader struggle for European stability, Zelenskyy’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the risks of a hastily negotiated peace that may overlook the realities on the ground.
