Zelenskyy Calls for Long-Term US Security Guarantee and EU Accession Date
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has articulated a firm demand for a minimum 20-year security guarantee from the United States as a prerequisite for signing a dignified peace deal with Russia. Speaking at the Munich Security Summit on Saturday, Zelenskyy emphasised that such a legally binding agreement is essential to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and stability in the post-conflict era.
EU Membership and Negotiation Concerns
In addition to the security assurances, Zelenskyy urged the European Union to provide a clear timeline for Ukraine's accession, with some EU officials suggesting a potential date as early as 2027. He expressed frustration over the perceived lack of European involvement in the negotiation process, stating, "That's a big mistake, in my opinion," a sentiment echoed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Zelenskyy highlighted concerns about the upcoming trilateral meetings with Russia and the US, noting that discussions often seem disjointed. "The Americans often return to the topic of concessions and too frequently, those concessions are discussed only in the context of Ukraine, not Russia," he remarked, underscoring the asymmetrical nature of the talks.
US Proposals and Russian Tactics
The Ukrainian president disclosed that the US has offered a 15-year security guarantee, but Ukraine insists on a 20-year term with specific provisions for a European reassurance force to be deployed within its borders. He also queried Russia's decision to change the head of its negotiation delegation, fearing it indicates a strategy to delay rather than engage substantively.
At the same summit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed a conditional partnership with Europe, stressing that the US would act alone if its demands on climate, migration, and tariffs were not met. Rubio's speech, which avoided direct references to the Russian invasion beyond claims about pressuring India on oil imports, was seen as a diplomatic overture compared to previous US rhetoric.
Broader Conflict Dynamics and International Pressure
Zelenskyy addressed the devastating impact of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, confirming that not a single plant remains unscathed, an issue he plans to raise in Geneva talks. He also set an ambitious goal to increase Russian casualties to 50,000 per month, reflecting the intensifying nature of the conflict.
European leaders expressed pessimism about a near-term diplomatic breakthrough, predicting at least two more years of war but affirming Europe's capacity to support Ukraine. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has pressured Zelenskyy to expedite a deal, though without specifying consequences for non-compliance. Zelenskyy countered that elections, as urged by the US, can only occur two months after a ceasefire to ensure voter safety.
Criticism of Iranian Involvement
Zelenskyy launched a fierce critique of Iran for supplying Shahed drones to Russia, which have caused significant damage in Ukraine. "Regimes like the one in Iran must not be given time. When they have time, they only kill more," he asserted, calling for immediate action against the Iranian leadership. This statement resonated with protests in Munich, where up to 200,000 demonstrators demanded the overthrow of the Iranian regime.
The ongoing negotiations and security discussions underscore the complex geopolitical landscape, with Ukraine seeking robust international commitments to secure its future amidst relentless aggression.
