Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed on Sunday to reject any agreement between the US and Russia that does not include Kyiv, emphasizing that no world leader can decide Ukraine's fate without its direct participation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy made his stance clear in an interview with NBC News, asserting, "So I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never." He underscored the gravity of the situation by highlighting the impact of the conflict on Ukrainian people, both young and old, and remarked on the human losses suffered by the nation.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support and unity shown by the United States towards Ukraine, acknowledging bipartisan support in the US as crucial. However, he stressed that no leader globally can negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine without Ukraine's involvement. He reaffirmed the United States as Ukraine's "biggest strategic partner" and indicated readiness to collaborate on shared plans with former President Trump.

The Ukrainian leader also highlighted the necessity of European support and emphasized that any negotiations should involve not only the US and Russia but also Europe and Ukraine. Zelenskyy warned of the potential consequences of a US withdrawal from NATO, suggesting that it would lead to Russia occupying parts of Europe, starting with smaller nations that were once part of the Soviet Union.

He elaborated on the potential threat posed by Russia if Europe does not respond collectively, suggesting that individual European countries would have to defend themselves, giving Russia the opportunity to expand its influence. Zelenskyy concluded by admitting the uncertainty of Russia's ambitions, questioning whether they might aim to seize 30% or 50% of Europe, but he cautioned that such possibilities could become realities if the current geopolitical dynamics shift unfavorably.