- Kyiv Pushes for Rapid, Lasting Peace as U.S.-Russia Talks Proceed Without Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared on Thursday that Ukraine is prepared to work swiftly and tirelessly to establish a robust investment and security agreement with the United States. His statement comes amid ongoing U.S.-Russia discussions on ending the three-year war between Kyiv and Moscow—talks that Ukraine was not invited to attend.
Zelenskiy, in a post on social media site X, described his meeting with Keith Kellogg, the U.S. envoy for Ukraine and Russia, as a “good discussion” focused on Ukraine’s security needs, the battlefield situation, and efforts to secure the return of prisoners of war. His comments underscored Ukraine’s urgent desire to fortify its position through a strategic partnership with Washington, ensuring that peace is “strong and lasting.”
Ukraine’s Push for U.S. Investment and Security Guarantees
Zelenskiy emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to finalize a “strong, effective investment and security agreement” with the U.S. as quickly as possible.
“We must and can ensure that peace is strong and lasting—so that Russia can never return with war,” Zelenskiy wrote. “We have proposed the fastest and most constructive way to achieve results. Our team is ready to work 24/7.”
This push for a bilateral security pact comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as it seeks to bolster its military and economic resilience against ongoing Russian aggression. Kyiv has long argued that Western backing—particularly from the U.S.—is crucial to maintaining stability in the region and preventing further escalation.
While no official details of a potential agreement have been disclosed, sources suggest that Ukraine is looking for long-term military assistance, economic investments, and clear security guarantees that would deter future Russian aggression.
U.S.-Russia Talks Sideline Ukraine
The meeting between Zelenskiy and Kellogg took place just one day after the latest diplomatic clash between Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump, as Washington and Moscow engaged in direct talks on the war without Ukraine’s participation.
Ukraine’s exclusion from the discussions has sparked frustration in Kyiv, as officials fear that any deal reached without Ukrainian input could undermine the country’s sovereignty and interests. Ukrainian officials have consistently warned against agreements that would force Kyiv into territorial concessions in exchange for a temporary peace.
Zelenskiy’s latest statements suggest that Kyiv will not sit idly by while Washington and Moscow negotiate the region’s future. Instead, Ukraine is seeking stronger security commitments from the U.S. to ensure that any peace settlement is lasting and beneficial to Kyiv’s interests.
Ukraine’s Military and Security Priorities
According to Reuters, Zelenskiy and Kellogg’s discussions revolved around:
- The battlefield situation – Analyzing Ukraine’s current military position and the status of ongoing offensives.
- Security guarantees – Defining what commitments the U.S. can make to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security.
- Prisoner-of-war exchanges – Efforts to bring back Ukrainian soldiers held captive by Russia.
In his social media post, Zelenskiy stressed the importance of continued American support, not just for Ukraine but for “the entire free world”. He emphasized that a strong U.S. presence in the region is vital to counter Russia’s ambitions.
“It’s important for us—and for the entire free world—that American strength is felt,” Zelenskiy wrote.
Ukraine has been pushing for a formalized security arrangement with Washington for months, aiming to secure long-term U.S. military aid, training programs, and economic investment to rebuild after the devastation of war.
A Growing Rift Between Zelenskiy and Trump?
The latest diplomatic exchanges highlight a potential rift between Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has taken a less interventionist stance on the war compared to his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump has repeatedly criticized extensive U.S. military aid to Ukraine and suggested that Europe should take on more responsibility for Kyiv’s defense.
During his campaign, Trump even floated the idea of brokering a quick peace deal with Russia—a move that has alarmed Ukrainian officials who fear it could come at the cost of their territorial integrity.
Zelenskiy, on the other hand, has remained steadfast in his position that Ukraine must emerge from the war with strong international security guarantees to prevent Russia from launching another invasion in the future. His direct appeal for a U.S.-Ukraine agreement is seen as a way to lock in American support, regardless of shifting political winds in Washington.
Ukraine’s Allies Urge Continued Support
Ukraine’s push for a solidified U.S. security agreement has gained backing from several European allies, who see it as a way to ensure that Moscow does not succeed in its territorial ambitions.
Polish President Andrzej Duda and Baltic leaders have voiced support for a stronger U.S.-Ukraine partnership, arguing that any reduction in American backing would embolden Russia and weaken NATO’s eastern flank.
U.S. Political Divisions
However, securing a long-term security agreement with the U.S. may prove challenging, given the deep political divisions in Washington regarding continued aid to Ukraine. While many lawmakers support ongoing military and economic assistance, some Republicans—aligned with Trump’s America First stance—have called for scaling back commitments to Kyiv.
Congress has struggled to pass additional aid packages for Ukraine, with debates raging over how much the U.S. should invest in the conflict and whether more pressure should be placed on European allies to increase their contributions.
For Zelenskiy, time is of the essence. With the war entering its third year, Ukraine faces intensified Russian assaults and economic pressures that require sustained Western support.
What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
While details of a potential U.S.-Ukraine security and investment pact remain uncertain, Zelenskiy’s push signals Kyiv’s determination to secure its future regardless of diplomatic maneuvers between Washington and Moscow.
Ukraine will likely continue to pressure U.S. officials to finalize a formalized support framework, while also lobbying Congress and American allies to ensure that Ukraine remains a top priority in U.S. foreign policy.
For now, the ball is in Washington’s court. With U.S.-Russia talks ongoing and Ukraine’s security needs more urgent than ever, the question remains: Will the U.S. commit to a lasting agreement with Kyiv, or will shifting political priorities alter the course of support?
As Zelenskiy and his team push forward with their “24/7” efforts to secure a deal, the outcome could shape not just Ukraine’s future, but the geopolitical landscape of Europe for years to come.
