Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed back sharply against the idea of any peace negotiations held without Ukraine’s direct involvement, issuing a pointed rebuke after U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on March 18 to discuss the war in Ukraine.
“I don’t want us to be on Putin’s ‘menu’,” Zelenskyy said in a virtual press conference the same day. “We are not a salad or a compote for this man, despite his appetites. We are an independent state.”
The Ukrainian leader stated that decisions made without Ukraine at the table would not result in a legitimate or lasting peace, adding that such an approach risks compromising Ukrainian sovereignty.
Zelenskyy also addressed recent remarks by Vladimir Putin, who has reportedly demanded conditions such as halting military aid to Ukraine and ceasing mobilization efforts.
Zelenskyy characterized these conditions as part of a long-standing strategy to erode Ukraine’s military strength.
“Putin is raising a sensitive issue about mobilization,” Zelenskyy said. “But it’s not about the act of mobilization itself. It’s about shrinking the size of our army—weakening Ukraine under the guise of negotiation.”
He described such demands as a continuation of the Kremlin’s attempt to undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, noting that Putin’s real goal remains unchanged despite shifting rhetoric.
The Ukrainian president also warned that Moscow’s focus on stopping international military support and intelligence cooperation is aimed at dismantling the very foundations of Ukraine’s resistance.
“Putin is trying to diminish Ukraine’s military power by targeting areas like arms supply and intelligence. He believes these steps could further weaken us,” Zelenskyy explained.
Despite the diplomatic overtures between Washington and Moscow, Zelenskyy said he remains confident that Ukraine’s partners in the West will not abandon their commitments or agree to any peace deal that weakens Ukraine.
“Serious partners will not accept cutting off assistance as part of any peace process,” he said. “They understand that this would weaken Ukraine’s position. I’m confident there will be no betrayal.”
Zelenskyy added that ongoing communication with international allies gives him assurance that military and intelligence support will continue.
Trump-Putin Call and Ceasefire Talks
On March 18, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a phone call during which both leaders reportedly discussed the urgency of ending the war. Talks included the possibility of a ceasefire, though details remain vague.
Ukraine has not been invited to any direct negotiations stemming from this call.
