Ukraine is seeking a minimum 20-year security guarantee from the United States before agreeing to any peace settlement with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during remarks at the Munich Security Conference.
Speaking ahead of planned trilateral discussions involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States, Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv requires “legally watertight” commitments to ensure long-term national security. According to international media reports, the United States has proposed a 15-year arrangement. However, Ukraine is seeking a longer and binding framework that clearly defines Washington’s role in supporting a potential European reassurance force in the event of a peace agreement.
Zelenskyy also called on European leaders to set a definitive timeline for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, noting that some officials have floated 2027 as a possible target. During the conference, he expressed concern that discussions surrounding concessions appeared to focus more heavily on Ukraine than on Russia.
“The Americans often return to the topic of concessions,” Zelenskyy said, suggesting that proposals have frequently centred on Ukrainian compromise.
Differences remain between the US and European governments regarding the scope and clarity of security guarantees tied to any potential peace deal. European leaders have reportedly urged Washington to clearly outline its commitments before an agreement is finalised.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States preferred to rebuild the global order in partnership with Europe but indicated Washington could act independently if its priorities on issues such as climate, migration and trade were not met. US President Donald Trump earlier urged Zelenskyy to move forward with negotiations, though no specific consequences were outlined should talks stall.
At a press briefing, Zelenskyy rejected suggestions that Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas region in exchange for a swift agreement, stating that such a move was not possible given the Ukrainian population residing there. He also pushed back against proposals for elections to be held by mid-May, arguing that voting could only take place at least two months after a ceasefire to ensure adequate security conditions.
Zelenskyy said Russia’s continued strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure would be central to upcoming negotiations in Geneva, claiming that nearly all of the country’s power plants have suffered damage during the conflict. He also criticised Iran for supplying Shahed drones to Russia, stating that the weapons have caused significant destruction and casualties in Ukraine.
Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, several European leaders have reportedly expressed scepticism about the likelihood of an imminent breakthrough, with some suggesting the war could continue for at least another two years.
