In a compelling address at the Munich Security Conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly asserted Ukraine’s stance on peace negotiations. “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement,” he declared, an implicit rebuke aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump’s overtures to Russia as he seeks to broker an end to the ongoing conflict. The message was clear: any peace initiative must include Ukraine’s voice at the table.
Zelensky’s remarks came shortly after Trump conducted a significant phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an unprecedented interaction since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The prospect of a future meeting between the two leaders, possibly set for Saudi Arabia, adds an additional layer of complexity to an already delicate situation. Trump’s intentions seemed to cast a shadow of concession over Ukraine’s plight, raising eyebrows among European allies regarding the sincerity of U.S. support.
In urging Europe to establish its own armed forces, Zelensky emphasized that the continent cannot solely rely on Ukraine for its security. “We must build the Armed Forces of Europe,” he insisted, pressing for self-sufficiency among European nations when faced with potential aggression from the north. Addressing European leaders, he posed a stark question: “Will your armies be ready if Moscow launches an open or false-flag attack?” This inquiry was not merely rhetorical; it served as a wake-up call for nations to critically evaluate their defense preparedness.
As the specter of a mismanaged peace settlement looms, Zelensky reflected on the unsettling capabilities Russia could wield should it emerge victorious. “If this war ends unfavorably, Putin will possess a surplus of battle-hardened troops trained in violence and pillage,” he warned, hinting at intelligence reports suggesting that Russia might reposition its military forces in Belarus. The potential ramifications of such actions would undoubtedly ripple throughout Europe, affecting stability deeply.
Operation peace is fraught with challenges, as Zelensky noted during his discussions in Munich with U.S. Senator JD Vance. Emphasizing the need for “real security guarantees,” he expressed hope for a more communicative relationship with the White House. “We want peace very much,” he said, encapsulating Ukraine’s desire for resolution amid uncertainty. Yet, he remains acutely aware that without robust U.S. support, survival becomes a tenuous prospect. “We will have a low, low chance to survive without the United States,” he stated in a preview of an interview with NBC.
The tone of Zelensky’s observations has been influenced by the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s recent announcement regarding potential truce negotiations shocked some allies, leaving room for concern that strategic decisions could be made at Ukraine’s expense. Vance recognized the importance of achieving a “durable, lasting peace” but voiced a strong belief that the U.S. must leverage pressure on Russia while also demanding that Europe bolster its defense capabilities.
While the dialogue evolved, uncertainty lingered. U.S. officials have issued conflicting statements regarding Ukraine’s future within NATO and the quest for complete territorial restoration. This dissonance has heightened anxieties that a subpar agreement could embolden Russian aggression across the continent. Vance, however, assured that Trump would approach negotiations with an open mind, considering all options, including military leverage against Moscow.
In an unexpected twist, Trump named Saudi Arabia as a likely venue for his anticipated meeting with Putin, spurring curiosity. The Gulf nation expressed its readiness to facilitate talks, yet this development did not alleviate Zelensky’s concerns about being sidelined in the broader narrative. “The President [Trump] gave me his personal number when we spoke,” he reassured, addressing apprehensions about being excluded from significant discussions that would shape the future of Ukraine.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, responded assertively, stressing that Ukraine must lead any dialogue aimed at establishing peace with Russia. Macron reminded Zelensky that “Ukrainians alone can drive the discussions for a solid and lasting peace,” emphasizing their crucial role. Concurrently, Ukraine has engaged in discussions granting access to its rare mineral resources in exchange for U.S. security commitments, a strategic move reflecting their need for steadfast support.
In conclusion, as the geopolitical chess game unfolds, the call for unity and proactive measures resonates louder than ever. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, articulated a vision for a collaborative future: “By working together, we can deliver that just and lasting peace.” This perspective underlines the pressing need for a cohesive international front in addressing the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead for Ukraine and its European allies.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
