Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized the structure of ongoing US-led negotiations with Russia, calling it a “big mistake” that European leaders are largely absent from the table. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he argued that any lasting peace must reflect the security concerns of all of Europe — not just Washington and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is working to ensure that Europe’s voice is heard, warning that sidelining the continent risks creating an unstable outcome. His comments echoed recent remarks from Emmanuel Macron, who suggested Europe may need to rethink its own security architecture in the face of what he described as an emboldened Russia.
Frustration Over Stalled Negotiations
Another round of talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia is scheduled for next week. The diplomatic process began after Washington renewed contact with Moscow last year, but Zelenskyy acknowledged that little real progress has been made and no ceasefire is in place.
He expressed hope that the upcoming discussions would be “serious” and productive, though he admitted frustration that the parties often appear to be talking past one another. Russian officials frequently reference what they call the “spirit of Anchorage,” alluding to a meeting last summer between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is left guessing what that phrase truly implies for a future settlement.
He also pushed back against talk of “concessions” that seem to focus primarily on Ukraine. Without reciprocal compromises from Russia, he warned, the process risks rewarding aggression instead of preventing it.
At the core of Kyiv’s position is a demand for firm security guarantees before any peace agreement is signed. European nations are expected to play a major role in providing those guarantees, but Zelenskyy stressed that American backing remains essential. Ukraine has prepared detailed proposals and is ready to formalize agreements with both the US and European partners, he said.
Zelenskyy added that he expects a clear timeline for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union as part of a broader settlement, suggesting that 2027 could be technically feasible.
Elections Tied to a Ceasefire
Responding to renewed calls — including from Trump — for Ukraine to hold elections, Zelenskyy said he would welcome a vote if a genuine ceasefire were established. Conducting an election under constant threat of bombardment, he argued, would be neither safe nor fair.
“Give us two months of ceasefire, we will go to elections,” he said, noting the difficulty of ensuring soldiers on the front lines could cast ballots.
In a pointed remark aimed at Moscow, Zelenskyy said he would also support a ceasefire that would allow free elections in Russia, where Putin has remained in power for more than two decades.
Targeting Russia’s Energy Lifeline
Zelenskyy also urged allies to intensify efforts to cut off Russia’s oil revenues, which continue to bankroll its war despite layers of sanctions. He described Moscow’s vast network of oil tankers as “floating wallets” for the Kremlin.
“Russian oil tankers still move freely — freely along Europe’s shores, in the Baltic Sea, in the North Sea,” he said, estimating that more than 1,000 vessels are still in operation.
He revealed that he has discussed tightening sanctions with both Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocating not just for detaining Russian tankers but blocking and confiscating them entirely. The European Union is expected to unveil another sanctions package soon as the war stretches into yet another year.
“Without oil money, Putin would not have money for this war,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring his belief that economic pressure remains one of the strongest tools available to end the conflict.
