Zelensky: Trump's European security initiative risks becoming Yalta-2

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern regarding the initiative proposed by US leader Donald Trump in the format of a "security deal". According to the Ukrainian head of state, such an approach could pose a threat to all of Europe. Zelensky cited the main reason for this stance as Russia showing no signs of readiness for actions aimed at ending the war, while instead attempting to shift the focus to creating a new security architecture on the continent.

Criticism of Moscow's position

Speaking on CNN, the president emphasised the lack of constructive signals from the Russian side.

«Я не бачу жодної демонстрації чи сигналів від Росії, що вони готові щось зробити в цьому напрямку. Саме тому, на мою думку, це небезпечно. Коли вони не хочуть говорити про те, як закінчити цю війну, я маю на увазі Росію, а хочуть почати з нової інфраструктури безпеки в Європі, це небезпечно» (I see no demonstration or signals from Russia that they are ready to do anything in this direction. That is why, in my opinion, it is dangerous. When they do not want to talk about how to end this war, I mean Russia, but want to start with a new security infrastructure in Europe, it is dangerous), Zelensky stressed.

Risks for the EU and NATO

Zelensky explained that the risks associated with Trump's initiative are significantly greater for European states than for Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine is not currently a member of the European Union or the North Atlantic Alliance, and therefore does not speak on behalf of these organisations. Nevertheless, the president considers the proposed format a threat to all European countries.

«Ми не є частиною Європи, ми на шляху, але ми не члени ЄС. І також ми не члени НАТО. Тому я не говорю від імені НАТО та ЄС, але це небезпечно для всіх нас. Ми всі живемо в Європі. Ми не хочемо, щоб була Ялта-2. Ми не готові до такого формату. Ми не хочемо, щоб Росія розділила нас. І, звичайно, суверенітет і територіальна цілісність — це ключове питання для будь-якої незалежної держави» (We are not part of Europe, we are on the way, but we are not EU members. And we are not NATO members either. So I am not speaking on behalf of NATO and the EU, but it is dangerous for all of us. We all live in Europe. We do not want there to be a Yalta-2. We are not ready for such a format. We do not want Russia to divide us. And, of course, sovereignty and territorial integrity are key issues for any independent state), Volodymyr Zelensky concluded.