Ukrainian President underscores the necessity of direct participation from Ukraine and Europe in discussions to resolve ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, stressing the importance of Ukraine's direct involvement in any negotiations concerning the conflict with Russia.
He remarked, 'No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine, no decisions about Europe without Europe.
Europe must have a seat at the table.' Zelensky's comments were made against the backdrop of reported upcoming talks between U.S. President
Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin intended to address the ongoing hostilities, a development that Zelensky characterized as unexpected for Ukraine and its European partners.
During his speech, Zelensky urged the United States to develop a 'common plan' to engage with Russia, citing a lack of consensus after a recent meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
He emphasized that any ceasefire agreement should come with 'real security guarantees,' which he indicated must involve substantial sanctions on Russia and bolstered military support for Ukraine.
Zelensky also expressed openness to proposals for the deployment of European troops as peacekeepers in Ukraine, while acknowledging the need to resolve logistical issues with European nations.
He raised concerns over the potential implications of U.S. negotiations with Russia, warning that President Putin might seek to use any dialogue to benefit his own agenda, possibly by inviting Trump to Russia's World War II victory parade in May.
'We must apply pressure together -- to make real peace,' Zelensky articulated, while maintaining that 'Putin cannot offer real security guarantees,' attributing Russia's continued reliance on conflict as a means of sustaining internal power.
Additionally, he referenced ongoing negotiations with Washington regarding potential access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits, which could be exchanged for enhanced security assistance.
Zelensky's address also contained a broader appeal to European leaders, urging decisive action in light of uncertainty surrounding U.S. support against Russian military aggressions.
He advocated for European unity and suggested the establishment of a European army to strengthen the continent’s defense capabilities in the face of external threats.