How will US President Donald Trump end the Russia-Ukraine War, that was begun by Vladimir Putin in February 2022, when he ordered the “special military operation”, as he euphemistically called it?
Will Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listen to the man, who has called him “dictator” and end the war?
Will Volodymyr Zelenskyy Listen To Donald Trump?
Ironically, Donald Trump did not invite the Ukrainian President to the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, where the initial talks were held between the officials of the US and Russia.
To add insult to injury, Trump told reporters bluntly that he did not think Zelenskyy important enough to invite him to the talks.
However, he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursdya to discuss how to bring the war to an end.
Donald Trump to Meet UK, French Leaders
The meeting will be taking place at a time when the European leaders are disappointed with the point that neither the Ukrainian nor European officials were invited to the talks.
Though Zelenskyy initially rejected the talks and said in the most unambiguous terms that he would not accept the outcome of any meeting not attended by Ukraine, he has toned down the rhetoric.
He took to the social media platform X Wednesday and said that X that “we are making great progress”. However, he also added that “we want a good economic deal that will be part of a true security guarantee system for Ukraine.”
No NATO Membership, No Pre-War Border
In what may be said an attempt to buy peace, the Ukrainian President said that he would trade his office for peace or to join NATO.
He also said that US President Donald Trump was living in a Russian-made “disinformation space.”
Analysts believe, Zelenskyy does not want to end war in this humiliating way, but has no option left.
After the US stops all sorts of military, financial and diplomatic help, Ukraine will not be in a position to continue the war.
Though most of the NATO members, including the UK and France, want to continue helping Kyiv, they cannot oppose the US, analysts believe.
Also, no member of the trans-Atlantic military bloc will risk angering Washington to appease Ukraine.
Will Ukraine Accept US Dictates?
Political experts believe Zelenskyy will have to accept the offer to end the war.
He can only bargain hard, demand a security guarantee or peace-keeping force and get as much territory back from Russia as possible.
Donald Trump has already ruled out NATO membership to Ukraine and said in clear terms that it will be not pragmatic for Kyiv to hope to return to the pre-war borders.
Ukraine will have to accept US terms, the only point is: how much territory and honour it can salvage.
