CNN
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During a recent address, Ukraine’s president expressed his concerns that the era of assured US support for European nations has come to an end. He urged the continent to unite and establish a cohesive military and foreign policy.

Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted these concerns following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, which sparked worries in Kyiv about being sidelined in discussions. Additionally, the White House has played down Ukraine’s chances of joining NATO.

“Recently, President Trump shared insights about his conversation with Putin, and at no point did he emphasize the need for America to involve Europe in the discussions. This omission speaks volumes,” Zelensky stated at the Munich Security Conference.

“The era of unquestioned American support for Europe is over,” he remarked further.

Zelensky’s cautionary remarks coincided with statements from Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s envoy to Russia and Ukraine, who assured the conference attendees that Ukraine would not be excluded from peace talks, albeit European nations would not take part.

Kellogg affirmed that while European perspectives will be considered, they would not have a seat at the negotiations, explaining his presence in Munich was to ensure European positions were acknowledged.

In an appearance with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Zelensky acknowledged his displeasure over Trump’s first discussion being with Putin. He cautioned, however, that it could be an even greater risk if Trump were to meet with Putin before him.

Zelensky noted that Trump had not yet committed to speaking with him first but recognized the urgency of discussing specific strategies to conclude the conflict.

This came after US Vice President JD Vance criticized America’s European allies in a speech at the security conference that notably lacked focus on Ukraine and potential resolutions with Russia.

“At yesterday’s conference, the US vice president made it apparent that the long-standing relationship between Europe and America is changing. Europe must adapt to this new reality,” Zelensky stated.

He called for the establishment of a unified European military, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding America’s future military assistance.

“Let’s face it – we can no longer exclude the possibility that the US may decline to support Europe when it’s faced with threats. Many leaders have voiced the necessity for a European Army,” he noted.

Zelensky later accused Putin of manipulating the situation by engaging in direct talks with Trump while excluding Ukraine from the process.

“Next, Putin might orchestrate a meeting with the US president on Red Square on May 9, not as a peer, but as a supporting actor in his spectacle; we cannot allow that,” he added.

Additionally, Zelensky mentioned that he had not authorized one of his ministers to sign an initial draft agreement with the US that would grant access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for prospective military funding from Washington.

“The agreement isn’t prepared to secure our interests,” he stated, explaining that the draft did not offer adequate assurances for Ukraine’s security.

In a moment that drew laughter, Zelensky quipped that he had told Trump that Putin fears him.

“I assured Trump that Putin is afraid of him, and he took it to heart. Now Putin is aware,” he remarked with a hint of humor.

The Ukrainian president indicated that Putin’s influence appears to dominate NATO and reiterated that peace talks cannot proceed without Ukraine’s participation.

“Currently, Putin seems to be the most influential figure within NATO as his demands appear to obstruct NATO decisions,” Zelensky asserted.

“Ukraine will categorically reject any agreements made without our involvement, and this principle should hold true for all of Europe,” he emphasized.

“No decisions regarding Ukraine without Ukraine. No arrangements for Europe without Europe. The continent must have a presence when crucial decisions affecting it are made,” he added.

Earlier this week, NATO allies were left uncertain after signals from Trump’s administration suggested potential compromises with Moscow, altering the alliance’s strategy during the nearly three-year-long conflict.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also expressed doubts regarding NATO membership for Ukraine, suggesting that a return to pre-2014 borders before Russia’s annexation of Crimea is an unrealistic aim.

Following Zelensky’s address, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that Europe “urgently needs an actionable plan” concerning Ukraine to prevent other international players from dictating its future.

“This plan must be developed immediately. We cannot afford to delay,” Tusk emphasized in a message on X.