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Trump's controversial remark on Ukraine's future ahead of Zelensky-Vance meeting

11.02.2025 14:00
Donald Trump, just before Friday’s talks between Zelensky and U.S. Vice President Vance, speculated that Ukraine "may be Russian someday" and emphasized that the U.S. should receive financial returns on its aid.
On the left, U.S. Vice President JD Vance. On the right, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 10, 2025.
On the left, U.S. Vice President JD Vance. On the right, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 10, 2025.Photo: CHRIS KLEPONIS/POOL/PAP/EPA, Vladyslav Musiienko/PAP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, February 14, according to Zelensky’s spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, as reported by AFP.

The French news agency also cited a source from Zelensky’s office, stating that U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will visit Ukraine on February 20.

Former President Donald Trump has tasked Kellogg with developing a plan to end the three-year-long Russia-Ukraine war as soon as possible.

On February 7, Trump said he would likely meet with Zelensky in Washington this week and hinted at a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future.

Trump suggests Ukraine "may be Russian someday," pushes for U.S. returns on aid

Before Friday's meeting between Zelensky and Vance, Donald Trump suggested this week on Fox News that Ukraine "may be Russian someday" while discussing a potential peace deal. He also emphasized the need for the U.S. to receive financial returns on its aid, including access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals.

AFP reports that Trump confirmed his special envoy, Keith Kellogg, will soon visit Ukraine to draft a proposal to end the war, while Kyiv remains wary of any settlement without strong security guarantees from Washington.

Source: IAR/PAP/AFP

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