American and Russian officials hold talks to end war without Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed he will not accept the terms of any agreement without his country's participation.
'Of course they have to be at the table,' said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
In Kyiv Monday U.S. senators were adamant Ukrainians would be involved in negotiations to end the war Russia started with them.
'I don't believe any agreement can be done behind Ukraine's back,' said Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).
Democratic Senator Michael Bennet and Republican Senator Thom Tillis say an upcoming meeting between American and Russian officials is just the beginning.
'I don't think we believe any just peace can be reached without the participation and leadership of Ukraine, without the participation of Europe,' said Bennet.
The meeting with Ukraine notably absent has already sent shockwaves throughout Europe with France calling an emergency meeting of European Union countries and the U.K. Monday.
'We're trying to get peace with Russia and Ukraine, and we're working very hard on it,' said Trump.
President Donald Trump's reversal on U.S. policy toward Ukraine is raising concerns across the globe that Russia will get the better deal, but the president insists both countries will be involved.
'They want to end it fast, both of them,' said Trump.
Senators say they also want the war to end but stress Russia cannot be emboldened to expand its interests.
'Vladimir Putin is not going to stop in Ukraine,' said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).
The talks between the U.S. and Russia are expected to tee up an in-person meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin.
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