What I Told Trump About Putin — Zelensky 

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said he told United States President, Donald Trump that Vladimir Putin, his Russian counterpart, is afraid of him.

Zelensky also suggested that Putin appears to be the biggest influence on NATO, insisting that peace talks on ending the conflict with Russia could not go ahead without Kyiv’s involvement.

The statement comes amid Trump’s government remark that Ukraine being a member of NATO is an unrealistic objective.

“I told Trump that Putin is afraid of him and he heard me. And now Putin knows,” Zelensky said wryly.

“Right now, the most influential member of NATO seems to be Putin – because his whims have the power to block NATO decisions,” Zelensky said.

“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement. And the same rule should apply to all of Europe,” he added.

The Ukraine’s president also maintained that Europe must have a seat at the table when decisions about Europe are being made.

Earlier this week, NATO allies were left scrambling for direction after Trump’s administration signaled concessions to Moscow.

After Zelensky’s speech on Saturday, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Europe “urgently needs a plan of action” concerning Ukraine, or risk other global players deciding its future.

“This plan must be prepared now. There’s no time to lose,” Tusk said in a post on X.