Europe Must Be Part of the Solution
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Europe’s limited role in U.S.-mediated talks aimed at ending the war with Russia. He called the absence of European leaders a “big mistake” and stressed that a lasting peace must consider the security needs of the entire continent, not just Ukraine and Washington.
Zelenskyy pointed to the next round of trilateral talks with Russia and the United States, noting that progress toward a ceasefire has been slow. He expressed frustration that the discussions often seem disconnected and highlighted a one-sided focus on Ukraine making concessions while Russia faces little pressure to compromise.
Security Assurances and EU Membership
Kyiv insists that any peace deal must include solid, enforceable security guarantees. Zelenskyy said European nations would shoulder much of that responsibility, supported by a U.S. backstop. He confirmed that Ukraine has prepared detailed proposals and is ready to formalize agreements with both American and European partners.
On the topic of EU membership, Zelenskyy suggested that a formal accession date could be part of any settlement, possibly as soon as 2027. Regarding elections, he stressed that Ukraine could only hold them under a real ceasefire, pointing out the impossibility of a fair vote while soldiers remain on the front lines. He also noted that he would welcome a similar ceasefire in Russia to allow free elections there.
Targeting Russia’s Oil Revenues
Zelenskyy called for stronger actions to cut off Russia’s energy income, which continues to fund its war effort. He said Moscow still operates more than 1,000 tankers near European waters, dubbing them “floating wallets for the Kremlin.”
He urged tougher enforcement, including detaining, blocking, or confiscating vessels that evade sanctions, and said he recently discussed these measures with Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen. Zelenskyy warned that without oil revenue, Russia would struggle to maintain its military campaign. “Without oil money,” he said, “Putin would not have money for this war.”
