Zelensky wants to maintain control: Ukraine will choose the European representatives in any negotiations with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Ukraine stated that it would decide for itself which European representatives would participate in any potential peace negotiations with Russia. This statement comes as Kyiv attempts to revive diplomatic efforts to end more than four years of war.

In an interview given to Ukrainian media and relayed on social networks, Volodymyr Zelensky explained that the question of Europe's role in a future dialogue with Moscow had been discussed at length during the recent European Council summit in Brussels.

According to the Ukrainian president, European leaders still need to determine the format of their participation and submit various proposals. However, he insisted that the final decision regarding European representatives would rest with Kyiv. "Europe will examine the format and propose several options, but it is Ukraine that will decide who will represent Europe in the negotiations. That's right," he said.

Ukraine is seeking to involve European countries more closely in discussions on a possible settlement to the conflict. This move comes as US-backed negotiations are currently stalled, largely due to competing international crises and Kyiv's refusal to accept Moscow's territorial claims.

Zelensky also indicated that discussions with Western partners focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defenses. According to him, the United States responded favorably to a Ukrainian request for licenses related to the production of defense equipment.

The Ukrainian president also stated that the American president Donald Trump was considering asking American arms companies to produce air defense missiles under license in Ukraine and several European countries.

As fighting continues on the ground, Kyiv is attempting to maintain diplomatic pressure while consolidating its Western military support. For Ukraine, any future negotiations with Russia must be conducted under conditions guaranteeing its sovereignty and its central role in decisions concerning its future.