Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his address at the Munich Security Conference to deliver a blunt message: Europe must have a stronger seat at the table in negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Europe’s Voice Missing From the Table
Zelenskyy called it a “big mistake” that European leaders are largely absent from the ongoing U.S.-brokered talks with Moscow. While Kyiv continues discussions with both Washington and Russia, he argued that any lasting peace must reflect the security concerns of the entire continent — not just Ukraine and the United States.
His comments echoed those of Emmanuel Macron, who recently suggested Europe may need to rethink its own security framework in the face of what he described as an emboldened and aggressive Russia.
Another round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia is expected next week. Negotiations began after Washington renewed contact with Moscow, but nearly a year later, no ceasefire has been secured. Zelenskyy said he hopes the upcoming discussions will be “serious and substantive,” while expressing frustration that the sides often appear to be talking past one another.
He also criticized references from Russian officials to the so-called “spirit of Anchorage,” a nod to last summer’s meeting in Alaska between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is left guessing what that phrase actually means in practical terms for a peace deal.
Security Guarantees Before Any Deal
At the heart of Kyiv’s position is a demand for firm, binding security guarantees before any agreement is signed. Zelenskyy stressed that peace without a reliable security system would only invite future conflict.
European nations are expected to shoulder much of the responsibility under the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” but both Ukraine and its European allies see an American security backstop as essential.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine has already prepared detailed proposals and is ready to formalize agreements with both the United States and European partners. He added that he remains in constant contact with American envoys as negotiations continue.
He also said he expects a clear date for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union as part of a broader settlement, suggesting that, technically, membership could be achievable by 2027.
Elections, Ceasefire and Targeting Russia’s Oil Revenue
Addressing calls for elections — including pressure from Trump — Zelenskyy said Ukraine is open to holding a vote, but only if a genuine ceasefire is in place. Conducting free and fair elections under constant missile and drone attacks, he argued, is not realistic.
“Give us two months of ceasefire, we will go to elections,” he said, pointing to the immense logistical challenges of allowing soldiers on the front lines to participate. In a pointed remark, he added that he would welcome a ceasefire in Russia to allow free elections there as well.
Zelenskyy also urged Western partners to intensify efforts to choke off Russia’s energy revenues, describing the country’s shadow fleet of oil tankers as “floating wallets” for the Kremlin. Despite existing sanctions, he said, more than 1,000 Russian-linked tankers continue operating, including in European waters such as the Baltic and North Seas.
He recently discussed tougher measures with Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, advocating not just the detention of Russian vessels but their full blocking and confiscation. The European Union is preparing another sanctions package as the war enters another year.
“Without oil money, Putin would not have money for this war,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring Kyiv’s view that cutting off energy revenue remains key to weakening Moscow’s war effort.
