Zelenskyy Warns Against Afghanistan Scenario for Ukraine Amid US-Russia Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that peace negotiations excluding Ukraine could lead to a situation similar to Afghanistan’s chaotic withdrawal. As US officials engage in talks with Russia, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s need for ongoing US support to ensure its survival. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concerns over potential concessions to Russia and the necessity for a durable resolution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns regarding the potential outcome of the war in Ukraine, warning it could replicate the Afghanistan scenario of 2021. His comments were made prior to talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US officials, part of a peace negotiation effort led by President Donald Trump that excludes Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized that decisions affecting Ukraine’s future cannot be made without its participation, dismissing notions of a rushed withdrawal similar to Afghanistan.
Zelenskyy highlighted the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan as a cautionary tale, saying, “You can’t just take that off the table. That’s not how it works. I don’t think anyone is interested in an Afghanistan 2.0.” He pointed out the dire consequences of not respecting human life during rapid troop withdrawal, which led to tragedy in Afghanistan. He urged consideration of Ukraine’s unique circumstances and noted that victory cannot be achieved without US support.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed Zelenskyy’s concerns, stressing that any peace deal with Russia must safeguard Ukraine’s integrity and avoid a repeat of the Afghan disaster. He cautioned against making concessions to Russia that could embolden further aggression from President Vladimir Putin. Starmer insisted on an enduring resolution to prevent territorial encroachments by Russia in the future.
In a separate briefing, Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine’s survival is contingent upon ongoing US assistance. In an interview, he commented, “…we will have low chance to survive without support of the United States.” This sentiment reflects the critical dependence on US military and political backing as the war continues, especially in the wake of Trump’s diplomatic overtures.
The 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan remains a pivotal lesson for Ukraine, highlighting the repercussions of hasty peace negotiations. Zelenskyy reiterated the need to avoid repeating past mistakes with quick resolutions that undermine stability. He insisted that Ukraine’s sovereignty remains at risk if it does not remain an active participant in any discussions regarding its future.
Zelenskyy’s warnings about a potential Afghanistan-like scenario for Ukraine emphasize the critical need for US support in the ongoing conflict with Russia. His remarks underline the dangers of excluding Ukraine from peace negotiations and the urgency to establish a robust security framework that safeguards Ukrainian sovereignty. Meanwhile, international leaders, including the UK Prime Minister, have voiced collective concerns regarding the implications of US diplomatic efforts that might overlook Ukrainian interests.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
