Europe Needs a Seat at the Table
At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the limited role European leaders are playing in the U.S.-brokered talks to end the war with Russia. He called it a “big mistake” that Europe is largely absent, stressing that any lasting peace must address the security concerns of the entire continent, not just Ukraine and the United States.
Zelenskyy expressed frustration with the negotiations, saying discussions often feel disconnected, with parties “talking about completely different things.” He also warned that focusing only on Ukrainian concessions without requiring Russia to compromise risks rewarding aggression.
Upcoming trilateral talks between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia are scheduled for next week. Zelenskyy said he hopes the discussions will be “serious and constructive,” but underscored the need for Europe’s active participation.
Security Guarantees and Conditional Elections
A core demand from Kyiv is binding security guarantees before any peace deal is finalized. Zelenskyy emphasized that without clear and enforceable protections, peace cannot hold. While European countries are expected to take on much of this responsibility, he stressed that a U.S. backstop is essential.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has prepared detailed proposals and is ready to formalize agreements with both European partners and the United States. He also suggested that a concrete EU accession date could be part of any settlement, potentially as early as 2027.
Regarding elections in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said a vote would only be possible under a genuine ceasefire. He highlighted the logistical challenge of allowing front-line soldiers to vote and added that a similar ceasefire could allow free elections in Russia, where Vladimir Putin has been in power for more than two decades.
Cracking Down on Russia’s Energy Revenue
Zelenskyy called on partners to tighten measures against Russia’s oil exports, which continue to fund its war effort. Despite sanctions, he said, over 1,000 tankers operate near European waters, functioning as “floating wallets for the Kremlin.”
He urged stronger enforcement, including detaining, blocking, or confiscating ships that circumvent sanctions. Zelenskyy also said he discussed the issue recently with Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, noting that the EU will unveil a new sanctions package soon.
“Without oil money,” he said, “Putin would not have money for this war,” highlighting the strategic importance of cutting off Moscow’s energy revenues.
