Zelenskyy explained why he must meet with Trump before his talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained why his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump should take place before the American leader's talks with the president of the aggressor state, Vladimir Putin. He said this during a press conference on Sunday, February 23, at the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum.

"I believe it is right for us to meet with Trump first, so as not to change the focus and priorities: who is who to whom," Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to him, if Trump's meeting with Putin happens first, it will undermine the trust of the Ukrainian people in the U.S. Similarly, the Ukrainian President believes this will have a negative impact on American society, which will not understand "what is happening."

"As long as our nations are friends, respect each other, and help one another, the leaders will also have very close relations. This is necessary and important," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian President sees a great danger and a bad signal for Europeans if Trump's meeting with Putin happens first.

At the same time, Zelenskyy added that no one can force any leader to take action, noting that the meeting with Trump will happen, but it is still unknown when.

"The time will come, and we will meet with President Trump. Without this, the war cannot be ended. Without one side, without Ukraine, without sacrifice, it is impossible," he emphasized.

According to him, if the U.S. makes a deal with the Russians without involving Ukraine, the deal will not succeed unless "we later confirm the terms of this deal."

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