Russia is gearing up to launch an attack on NATO countries next year, and Donald Trump has no concrete strategy to bring the war in Ukraine to an end, Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned yesterday.

The Ukrainian president, joined by Sir Keir Starmer, pushed back against the White House following concessions the U.S. president proposed in a potential Ukraine-Russia peace deal.

His remarks came in response to reports that on Wednesday, Trump had a 90-minute conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the ongoing conflict— a revelation that has caused widespread alarm.

President Zelensky warned that intelligence reports suggest Putin is preparing for war against NATO next year, with Russia planning to deploy 150,000 troops to Belarus as a possible launch pad for invading the Baltics or Poland.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out Ukraine joining NATO, calling its goal of reclaiming all occupied territories “delusional.” He also stated the US won’t fund or take part in post-conflict peacekeeping, potentially shifting the burden to allies like Britain.

Zelensky Rejects Trump’s Peace Plan as Inadequate

After UK and European allies backed Ukraine, Zelensky dismissed Trump’s stance as “not enough” for peace. He criticized the US for mixed messaging, referencing Hegseth’s comments and officials’ attempts to clarify them.

Speaking in Munich, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, calling it the “cheapest security option.” UK PM Keir Starmer assured him Ukraine was on an “irreversible path” to NATO and pledged continued support.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer talks during a press conference at 10 Downing Street[/caption]

Zelensky Urges Army Expansion as NATO Support Fades

With NATO membership off the table, Zelensky suggested Ukraine must double its army to 1.5 million troops. In Munich, US VP JD Vance met with him after calling Trump the “new sheriff in town,” hinting at past US missteps in peace talks.

European leaders criticized the US approach, warning against a “dirty deal” with Russia. Meanwhile, Vance reassured that the US still holds leverage over Moscow.

UK Stands Firm on Ukraine’s Sovereignty

While Britain mediates US-Europe tensions, the Prime Minister views Ukraine’s sovereignty as a red line—allowing it to choose NATO or EU membership despite Russian opposition.

Zelensky, rejecting Trump’s stance, insisted Putin cannot be trusted and vowed to meet him only after aligning with US and European leaders to prevent a forced peace deal.