Zelenskyy to Vance: Ukraine Demands Security Guarantees Before Peace Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ During the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told U.S. Vice President JD Vance that Ukraine needs security guarantees before considering peace talks with Russia. This follows Trump’s recent call with Vladimir Putin, which raised concerns about U.S. support. Meanwhile, Vance urged Europe to increase NATO defense spending, and a Russian drone strike hit Chernobyl, escalating tensions.
Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees Before Talks: Quick Looks
- Zelenskyy’s Demand: Ukraine won’t meet Putin until U.S. security guarantees are in place
- Trump’s Stance: Calls war “ridiculous,” hints at territorial concessions
- Vance’s Message: NATO allies must increase defense spending
- Chernobyl Attack: Russian drone strike hits nuclear plant
- Ukraine & NATO: Trump rejects Ukraine’s membership bid
- U.S. Warning to Russia: Sanctions and military options remain on the table
Zelenskyy to Vance: Ukraine Needs Security Guarantees Before Russia Talks
Ukraine Pushes for Security Before Any Peace Deal
At the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear to U.S. Vice President JD Vance that Ukraine will not engage in peace talks with Russia unless clear security guarantees are in place.
His statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent call with Vladimir Putin, in which Trump hinted at a possible deal that could require Ukraine to cede territory occupied by Russia since 2014, including Crimea.
Shortly before meeting Vance, Zelenskyy emphasized that any diplomatic steps must align with a common plan negotiated with the U.S.
“We cannot accept it, as an independent country, any agreements made without us,” Zelenskyy stated.
Zelenskyy told US vice president JD Vance that Kyiv wants “real security guarantees” before any talks to end the war with Russia.
Speaking during a meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was “very thankful” for US support. He added:
We need to speak more, to work more and to prepare the plan [for] how to stop [Vladimir] Putin and finish the work … We want peace very much, but we need real security guarantees.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Shift Raises Concerns
Trump’s shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine has unsettled European allies. His skepticism toward further military aid has led to questions about whether the U.S. will continue backing Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“The Ukraine war has to end,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “Young people are being killed at levels that nobody’s seen since World War II. And it’s a ridiculous war.”
Trump also made it clear that he sees Ukraine’s NATO membership as unrealistic, despite previous U.S. support.
“I don’t see any way that a country in Russia’s position could allow Ukraine to join NATO,” Trump said.
Vance Pushes NATO Allies to Increase Defense Spending
Vice President JD Vance used his speech at the conference to pressure NATO allies to increase defense spending, stating that 23 of the alliance’s 32 members currently meet the 2% GDP target.
“We want to make sure NATO is actually built for the future. That means Europe must take on a greater share of the burden, so the United States can focus on challenges in East Asia,” Vance told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Rutte agreed, acknowledging that Europe must become more self-reliant in defense matters.
“We have to grow up in that sense and spend much more,” Rutte said.
Chernobyl Drone Strike Escalates Tensions
Hours before Vance and Zelenskyy’s meeting, a Russian drone strike hit the protective confinement shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Although radiation levels remained stable, Zelenskyy called the attack a “clear message from Putin” aimed at the security conference.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied responsibility, while Russian Foreign Ministry official Maria Zakharova criticized Munich organizers for excluding Russia from the event.
U.S. Signals Tougher Stance on Russia
Despite Trump’s push for a quick resolution, Vice President Vance hinted at tougher measures against Moscow.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Vance suggested that if Putin refuses a peace deal that guarantees Ukraine’s independence, the U.S. could impose tougher sanctions or even military action.
However, following the interview, Vance’s team backtracked, emphasizing that military options were not an immediate priority.
European Allies Rethink Security Strategy
Trump’s hesitation on Ukraine aid and opposition to NATO expansion have forced European nations to consider alternative security arrangements.
French Deputy Foreign Minister Benjamin Haddad described the situation as a turning point, warning that weakening U.S. support for Ukraine could have global consequences, including in Asia.
“We are not sufficiently grasping how much our world is changing. Both our competitors and our allies are accelerating their strategic moves,” Haddad said.
What’s Next for Ukraine?
While Zelenskyy remains committed to coordinating Ukraine’s next moves with Trump, U.S. support remains uncertain.
As Russia continues its attacks, NATO reassesses its role, and Europe scrambles to fill any gaps left by the U.S., Ukraine’s future will depend heavily on diplomatic negotiations and security agreements in the coming months.
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