Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reaffirmed Kyiv’s firm stance on Saturday, declaring that Ukraine would never accept any peace agreements negotiated without its direct involvement. His statement, made at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany, appeared to be a pointed message to U.S. President Donald Trump amid ongoing efforts to broker a resolution to the war with Russia.
Speaking to world leaders, defense officials, and diplomats, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty in any peace negotiations, stressing that deals struck behind closed doors without Kyiv’s participation would be rejected outright. “No decision about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine,” he asserted.
The Ukrainian leader also urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its security, advocating for the establishment of a joint European defense force. He argued that Ukraine’s military alone was insufficient to ensure long-term stability and called on European nations to build a robust, independent defense infrastructure.
Zelenskiy’s speech comes at a time of increased uncertainty regarding Western military aid and shifting geopolitical dynamics. With the United States reconsidering its level of involvement in the war and European nations facing domestic political pressures, Kyiv is seeking to secure its position and ensure continued international support.
The conference, a key annual gathering focused on global security policy, brought together high-ranking officials from NATO, the European Union, and key global stakeholders. Ukraine’s war with Russia remained a dominant topic, with discussions centering on military assistance, diplomatic strategies, and the broader implications for European and global security.
As Ukraine approaches the third year of full-scale war with Russia, Zelenskiy’s message underscored his government’s determination to resist external pressure for a settlement that does not align with Ukraine’s interests. His call for a unified European defense strategy also reflected broader concerns about security autonomy, particularly in the face of unpredictable geopolitical shifts.
