The Removal of Zelensky from Trump-Putin Talks: A Controversial Decision by the U.S.

While experts say European countries are concerned about the absence of Ukraine and representatives from this continent in the ceasefire talks, the U.S. Vice President stated on Sunday that it would be better if the Ukrainian president did not attend the initial meeting between Trump and Putin.

Following meetings with Ukrainian and European officials, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance called in an interview with Fox News for President Volodymyr Zelensky's exclusion from the ceasefire talks. According to agreements, Trump and Putin are to meet on August 15 to discuss the future of the Ukraine war and a ceasefire.

Previously, Vance met with the British Foreign Secretary, two senior Ukrainian officials, and several representatives from other European countries to consult on these negotiations. After these meetings, in response to a reporter’s question about a potential meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents before the Russia-U.S. summit, he said, “I do not think that would be very constructive. I believe the U.S. president should be the one to bring these two together.”

However, he emphasized that discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine on this matter are ongoing.

The war in Ukraine began following Kyiv's attempt to join the NATO military alliance, and currently, Russia controls over 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.

The negotiations are taking place while Russia insists that Ukraine must recognize Russia’s territorial advances during the war and abandon its aspiration to join NATO.

Meanwhile, Zelensky, while careful not to openly criticize Trump, made it clear on social media that he does not accept these conditions.

On the other hand, some experts say this is exactly what Ukraine and many European allies have always feared—that Trump and Putin might reach an agreement without the presence of Ukraine and Europe.