Ukraine’s Demand for Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that for Ukraine to sign a peace agreement with dignity, it requires security guarantees from the US for at least 20 years. This was mentioned ahead of the scheduled talks with Russia and the US next week.
EU Membership Aspirations
During a speech in Munich, Zelenskyy also urged for a definitive date for Ukraine’s accession to the EU, with some officials suggesting it could happen as early as 2027.
Challenges in Trilateral Talks
Expressing his hopes for next week’s trilateral meetings, Zelenskyy remarked that discussions often seem to center around different topics. He noted that the US frequently mentions concessions, but these discussions tend to focus solely on Ukraine, neglecting Russia’s role.
Frustrations with US Security Guarantees
The ongoing frustration in Europe revolves around the perceived hesitance of the US to clearly define the security guarantees it can extend to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. This ambiguity continues to strain transatlantic relations.
US Secretary of State’s Position
At the Munich conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed a willingness to collaborate with Europe but stressed that this cooperation would depend on specific conditions. He stated that the US is prepared to act independently if these conditions, reminiscent of Trump-era policies on climate and tariffs, are not met.
Concerns Over Negotiation Tactics
In a press conference, Zelenskyy indicated that the US had informed him that withdrawing from the Donbas region could expedite peace; however, he rejected this as unacceptable. He revealed that while the US has proposed a 15-year security guarantee, Ukraine is seeking a more robust 20-year guarantee detailing US support for a potential European reassurance force.
Criticism of Iranian Support for Russia and Future Actions
Zelenskyy condemned the Iranian regime for supplying Shahed drones to Russia, exacerbating the situation in Ukraine. He stressed the urgency of acting against such regimes to prevent further harm and mentioned that discussions in Geneva would address the ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
