Munich, Germany - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the Munich Security Conference, where he underscored the need for security guarantees before Ukraine would consider participating in any peace negotiations to end the ongoing war with Russia.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid growing concerns that the United States and Russia could pursue peace talks without fully involving Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader warned that any negotiations lacking clear security assurances risk undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.
“We cannot enter into any discussions without firm guarantees for our nation’s safety and future, “ Zelenskyy said, signaling Ukraine’s unease over being excluded from talks that could shape the outcome of the conflict.
The Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of world leaders and defense officials, has become a key platform for addressing the geopolitical ramifications of the war. Zelenskyy’s comments highlight Ukraine’s ongoing fears that major powers could broker a settlement that leaves the country vulnerable to future aggression.
U.S. Vice President Vance did not publicly comment on Zelenskyy’s demands, but the meeting reflects the Biden administration’s continued engagement with Ukraine while navigating complex diplomatic dynamics with Russia.
As the war nears its third year, the possibility of U.S.-Russia negotiations has raised alarms in Kyiv, where officials worry that a peace deal without Ukrainian input could jeopardize the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
The situation remains fluid, with both U.S. and Ukrainian officials maintaining that any path to peace must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.