In a recent interview on “Face the Nation,” Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, addressed the complex geopolitical landscape as President Donald Trump prepares for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. This meeting comes amidst a backdrop of renewed calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2014 and escalated significantly in 2022.
Markarova noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is unwilling to concede any territory to Russia, emphasizing that Kyiv must be involved in any negotiations concerning the country’s future. The ambassador expressed hope that President Trump’s engagement could effectively lead to a ceasefire agreement. She stated, “All Ukraine prays for President Trump to be effective and to have great results” regarding the upcoming discussions.
In light of the ongoing violence, Markarova reiterated Ukraine’s previous positions on ceasefires, highlighting their readiness to pursue peace. “Ukraine did not start this war; Putin started this war in 2014 and continued with a full-fledged invasion in 2022,” she said, emphasizing the humanitarian toll on Ukrainian citizens and defenders.
Despite the urgency for action, President Trump has yet to impose additional sanctions on Russia as some expected. Instead, he has opted for dialogue with Putin, though the structures for Ukrainian participation in these talks remain unclear. Markarova acknowledged that different diplomatic formats may be necessary to push towards a resolution. She confirmed that President Zelenskyy is always open to participating in meetings aimed at advancing peace.
When asked about the role of U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, who is being sent to Kyiv, Markarova clarified that Kellogg has been instrumental in ongoing U.S.-Ukraine relations. While discussions about the summit are crucial, significant work also continues on various fronts including defense cooperation, economic partnerships, and weapons provisions. “There is a lot on our bilateral U.S.-Ukraine agenda, which, of course, all is at this moment related to the horrible war. But not only,” she noted.
The interview also touched upon the delicate balance of negotiations being navigated by the U.S. and Ukraine. Ambassador Markarova pointed out that a separate envoy was sent to Moscow to explore potential settlement ideas. However, the ambassador reinforced that any proposal must take into account Ukraine’s constitutional framework, especially regarding territorial integrity.
Markarova articulated the significance of the Ukrainian constitution in discussions about territorial concessions. She firmly stated, “The president of any country is a guarantor of the constitution,” thereby implying that President Zelenskyy cannot unilaterally give away land.
The ambassador did express concern over Putin’s historical pattern of deception regarding territorial claims, referencing past lies about Russia’s intentions in Ukraine. Markarova stressed the need for international recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty, citing the international community’s overwhelming rejection of Russia’s illegal annexations.
As negotiations loom, Markarova’s apprehension centered on the potential for further land seizures under guise of diplomacy. She underscored that the implications of the conflict extend well beyond Ukrainian borders, declaring, “The front line in east and south of Ukraine is the front line between evil and good.”
Markarova concluded with a call for strength and solidarity from the U.S. and its allies, confident that the current sanctions and diplomatic efforts could lead to a favorable resolution that stops Russia’s aggression. She reiterated her gratitude for American support while emphasizing that the fight in Ukraine represents a struggle for global principles and values.
As public interest continues to build around the forthcoming Trump-Putin meeting, the situation remains fluid and complex, with the eyes of the world watching closely. The stakes, according to Markarova, are not simply about territory; they are fundamentally about ensuring long-term peace and stability not only for Ukraine but for Europe and beyond.
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