Zelenskyy says Europe must choose who speaks for it

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Europe must decide who will represent it in peace talks, while rejecting the suggestion that he sent a delegation to Abu Dhabi to please US President Donald Trump. DR reported on the remarks, made during an interview with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the University of Copenhagen.

“It is not my job to make Trump happy,” Zelenskyy said. “My job is to involve all leaders. All voices are important. But it is time for Europe to decide who its voice is.” Frederiksen rejected the suggestion that she should be that voice.

Ukrainian representatives are currently negotiating with Americans and Russians in Abu Dhabi. Asked whether the delegation was there because Ukraine believed Russia wanted peace or to satisfy Trump, Zelenskyy said even small advances could matter. Agreement on an exchange of 100 prisoners, he said, would count as a result.

The interview also touched on a recent disagreement between Frederiksen, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Frederiksen said there could be disputes among allies during a prolonged war, but that nothing could weaken Nordic unity. In late October, she said she was “very sceptical” about the Norwegian and Finnish leaders having spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy described the situation as complex, referring to Trump’s relationship with Putin and the suspension of US sanctions against Russia. Frederiksen repeated that Denmark would support Ukraine until the war ends.

After the interview, Zelenskyy travelled to Marienborg for a working dinner with the Nordic countries’ heads of state and government.