KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a caution on Thursday regarding the trustworthiness of Russian President Vladimir Putin's assertions for peace, following comments from US President Donald Trump signaling a willingness to converse with Putin to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Trump's statements, which suggested an openness to engage in talks with the Russian president, alarmed Ukrainian officials and European allies, who questioned the feasibility of negotiations occurring without their participation.

Reportedly, Zelensky was troubled by Trump's outreach to Putin prior to consulting him.

In a social media post after speaking with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelensky emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy from the United States aimed at countering Putin's actions before any formal negotiations commence.

The US President mentioned a prospective meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia, generating concerns in Kyiv about potentially being sidelined in possible peace discussions.

In light of the worries expressed by Ukrainian and European officials, Trump assured that Ukraine would be included in the negotiations, asserting his belief that Putin genuinely desires peace.

The Kremlin has stated that discussions will encompass Ukraine, but expressed a preference for a bilateral framework between the US and Russia.

Meanwhile, European allies of Ukraine have resisted any tendency to pressure Ukraine into a compromise.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz categorically dismissed the idea of a coerced peace, arguing that either a Russian victory or a Ukrainian defeat would worsen instability across Europe.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that any agreements made without European consultation would be unacceptable and labeled any swift resolutions as potential concessions favoring Russia.

Amidst these tensions, a senior US defense official emphasized the necessity for other nations to enhance their support for Ukraine, clarifying that the US would not deploy troops as part of any agreement.

The Pentagon's stance indicates that any upcoming negotiations must take into account the interests of both parties involved.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reiterated Ukraine's resilience and capabilities to its NATO partners as Zelensky prepared for a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, which is anticipated to further clarify the US position on support for Ukraine.

Recent diplomatic efforts included a visit from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Kyiv to discuss access to Ukraine's rare earth mineral resources as part of security arrangements.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted potential agreements regarding mineral access, aimed at providing some return on the financial aid extended by the US.

Following Trump's remarks, European leaders have voiced concerns about the consequences of a rapid shift toward peace, apprehensive that it may reinforce Russian power.

French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu expressed anxiety over the potential compromising of American policy in response to Russian demands.

On the ground, reports indicate a decline in Ukrainian control within Russia's Kursk region, with estimates suggesting Ukraine now retains only a third of the territory it had regained last year.

Zelensky raised the issue of territorial exchanges, although the outcomes remain uncertain amidst the shifting dynamics of the conflict.