Europe Must Be at the Table
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it is a “big mistake” that European leaders are largely absent from U.S.-led peace talks with Russia. He stressed that any durable solution must consider the security needs of all of Europe, not just Ukraine and Washington.
Zelenskyy pointed to upcoming trilateral talks with the U.S. and Russia, noting that little progress toward a ceasefire has been made. He expressed frustration that the parties often seem to be “talking about completely different things” and criticized the focus on Ukraine making concessions while Russia faces few demands to compromise.
Security Guarantees and EU Membership
Kyiv is firm that any peace deal must include enforceable security guarantees. Zelenskyy emphasized that peace cannot last without a clear system, with European countries taking on much of the responsibility and the U.S. providing a backstop. Ukraine has prepared detailed proposals and is ready to formalize agreements with both European and American partners.
On the EU, Zelenskyy suggested that a peace settlement could include a concrete accession date, potentially as early as 2027. He also said Ukraine would only hold elections under a genuine ceasefire, noting the challenges of enabling soldiers on the front lines to vote. In a pointed message to Moscow, he added that he would welcome a similar ceasefire for free elections in Russia.
Targeting Russia’s Oil “Wallets”
Zelenskyy warned that Russia continues to fund its war through oil revenues, despite sanctions, relying on a fleet of more than 1,000 tankers near European waters, which he called “floating wallets for the Kremlin.”
He urged stronger enforcement measures, including detaining, blocking, or confiscating vessels that circumvent sanctions, and said he had discussed these steps with Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen. Without these revenues, Zelenskyy said, Russia would struggle to sustain its military campaign. “Without oil money,” he said, “Putin would not have money for this war.”
