TL:DR – Zelenskyy criticises European leaders’ absence from US-brokered talks on Ukraine
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at the Munich Security Conference that European leaders are largely absent from US-brokered negotiations with Russia.
• Zelenskyy expressed hope for serious negotiations next week but noted frustration over divergent agendas.
• Central to Ukraine’s position is a demand for binding security guarantees before signing any peace agreement.
• Zelenskyy indicated readiness to sign agreements on security guarantees with the US and European partners.
• He asserted that free elections in Ukraine are contingent on a real ceasefire being established.
• Zelenskyy called for increased measures to cut Russia’s energy revenues to hinder its war efforts.
Zelenskyy says Europe’s absence from peace talks is a ‘big mistake’ as he calls for more sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Saturday that it is a “big mistake” for European leaders to be “practically not present at the table” in the ongoing US-brokered negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia. His comments at the Munich Security Conference highlight the need for Europe’s interests to be considered in any sustainable peace agreement, emphasizing that the security concerns of the entire continent must be addressed, not just those of Ukraine and the United States.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid a backdrop of ongoing trilateral talks that Ukraine plans to hold next week with the United States and Russia. This process, which began in February last year, has made little progress toward achieving a ceasefire or ending hostilities.
Zelenskyy Highlights Imbalance in Negotiations
During his keynote speech, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over differing priorities among the parties involved in the negotiations. “Too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine, not Russia,” he said, suggesting that such discussions risk rewarding aggressive behaviour.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s demand for binding security guarantees before any agreements to end the war are signed, stressing that European countries, under the Coalition of the Willing format, are expected to play a significant role in providing these guarantees. He asserted, “Peace can only be built on clear, clear security guarantees.”
Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire Before Elections
Responding to calls for elections in Ukraine, Zelenskyy conveyed that he would consider holding elections only if a genuine ceasefire is established. He stated, “Give us two months of ceasefire, we will go to elections,” highlighting the logistical challenges of conducting fair elections under threat of bombings.
Further, Zelenskyy urged international partners to take stronger actions to undermine the Kremlin’s energy revenues, which largely finance the war. He noted, “Without oil money, Putin would not have money for this war,” calling for enhanced sanctions against Russian oil tankers operating in European waters.
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