Zelensky Pushes for ‘Security Guarantees’ as U.S. Seeks to End Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a strong appeal for security guarantees as he met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference. The meeting comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv and Europe that the United States, under President Donald Trump, is moving toward a peace deal with Russia that could leave Ukraine vulnerable.
Ukraine’s Fears Over U.S. Truce Talks with Russia
Zelensky’s meeting with Vance follows Trump’s shocking announcement that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential truce in the three-year-long war. While Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized its desire for peace, Zelensky made it clear that any settlement must come with ironclad security guarantees to prevent future aggression from Russia.
"We want peace very much, but we need real security guarantees," Zelensky stressed, indicating his concerns that the U.S. may be rushing to broker a ceasefire without Ukraine’s full involvement.
Adding to Ukraine’s worries, Zelensky acknowledged that his phone call with Trump this week came after Trump had already spoken to Putin for 90 minutes. This sequence has fueled fears that Washington might negotiate terms without fully considering Kyiv’s position.
U.S. Signals Shift in Strategy
Vice President Vance, while assuring Ukraine of continued support, also made it clear that the U.S. is focused on securing a lasting peace. He emphasized that Washington wants to avoid a situation where Eastern Europe remains trapped in continuous conflict.
However, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth’s recent remarks that Ukraine might not be able to join NATO or reclaim all its lost territory have further deepened anxieties in Kyiv. European nations have also raised concerns that a hasty peace deal could leave Ukraine in a weakened position, emboldening Russia to strike again in the future.
Meanwhile, Trump’s foreign policy team has suggested using "military leverage" in negotiations, but details remain unclear. Reports indicate that the U.S. is pushing Europe to take on more responsibility for regional security, with Washington shifting focus to other global challenges.
Europe Demands a Seat at the Table
European leaders have been vocal about their role in any future negotiations, arguing that a settlement between Russia and Ukraine will directly impact European security.
French President Emmanuel Macron assured Zelensky that "it is Ukrainians alone who should drive the discussions for a solid and lasting peace." Similarly, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that forcing Ukraine into a bad deal would ultimately harm U.S. and European interests.
As part of Kyiv’s strategy to keep Washington engaged, Ukraine has also offered access to its rare mineral deposits in exchange for long-term security commitments from the U.S.
Chernobyl Drone Strike Raises Tensions
While diplomatic talks continued in Munich, Ukraine suffered another massive Russian drone attack, with 133 drones launched overnight. One strike reportedly hit a protective structure at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, raising alarms about possible radiation risks.
Zelensky used the attack to highlight Russia’s continued aggression, stating:
"Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations—he is preparing to continue deceiving the world."
What’s Next for Ukraine?
With Trump’s team pushing for a peace deal and Europe demanding a larger role in negotiations, Ukraine is caught in a high-stakes diplomatic battle. Zelensky's insistence on security guarantees reflects fears that a rushed truce could leave Ukraine exposed to future Russian attacks.
As the situation unfolds, the fate of Ukraine may depend not only on the battlefield but also on the negotiating table—where decisions made in Washington, Moscow, and Europe could reshape the future of Eastern Europe.
