Zelensky in Munich: Peace Negotiations Without Ukraine “Unacceptable”

On Friday, February 14, at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected the idea of a peace agreement involving Russia without his country’s participation. In a tense context, where the United States has expressed its willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, Zelensky stated that discussions about the war in Ukraine excluding Ukraine and Europe would be “unacceptable” and “unthinkable.” According to him, an approach that excludes Ukraine would be a bad decision, and the war could not be resolved without a common position between Kyiv, its allies, and the United States.

Munich Conference: Key Meeting Between Zelensky and the U.S. Administration

Volodymyr Zelensky took advantage of the conference to meet with the new U.S. administration and discuss peace prospects. However, he expressed his opposition to the idea of a direct meeting with Russia without a “common plan” previously established with his allies, stating that Donald Trump did not have a “ready plan” to end the war. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance reiterated that Europe should, of course, be involved in the negotiations alongside the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, a point shared by Zelensky and several European leaders.

European Concerns: The Risk of Ukraine’s “Capitulation”

The shockwave caused by the call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Poutine, where the two leaders discussed immediate negotiations to end the conflict, has prompted strong reactions from Kyiv and its European allies. Emmanuel Macron, in an interview with the Financial Times, warned against a peace that would be a “capitulation,” stressing that it would be “bad news for everyone.” This message further amplified European concerns, fearing that any negotiated outcome that does not consider Ukraine’s interests would weaken Europe’s security.

Saudi Arabia and Diplomatic Tensions Surrounding Negotiations

In the midst of these discussions, Saudi Arabia expressed support for the idea of hosting a summit between Trump and Putin. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it welcomed the initiative and would continue to promote peace between Russia and Ukraine. However, the question of whether such a summit will take place on its soil remains uncertain, despite Trump’s public statements.

A “Just Peace”

During his intervention in Munich, Volodymyr Zelensky also accused Russia of damaging the Chernobyl arch, a symbol of the 1986 nuclear disaster. This attack has reignited tensions and raised international concern, although the International Atomic Energy Agency reassured that radiation levels remain stable.

As negotiations loom, calls for a “just peace” are growing, but the outcome of this war remains uncertain.