Ukraine seeks a 20-year US security guarantee to honor a peace agreement, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated ahead of talks with Russia and the US scheduled for the following week. During a speech in Munich on Saturday, he also called for a specific date for Ukraine's EU membership, with some EU officials suggesting as early as 2027. Addressing the annual Munich Security Summit, the Ukrainian president expressed hope that the trilateral meetings would be meaningful and beneficial for all parties involved. However, he noted a perceived lack of alignment in the discussions, stating that the sides often discuss different topics. Zelenskyy criticized the US for focusing on concessions related to Ukraine rather than Russia, emphasizing the importance of addressing both sides' concerns. The US-European relationship faces a significant challenge due to Europe's frustration with the US's reluctance to provide clear security guarantees for Ukraine, which must be outlined before any agreement is signed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed a partnership with Europe, but this offer was contingent on meeting specific US conditions regarding climate, migration, and tariffs, a move that could lead to a unilateral approach by the US if these conditions are not met. In his speech, Rubio emphasized the importance of US-European cooperation, stating that both sides belong together and expressing a willingness to rebuild the world order independently if necessary. However, he made minimal reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict. During a press conference in Munich, Zelenskyy revealed that the US had offered a 15-year security guarantee, but Ukraine sought a minimum 20-year agreement, detailing the specific support the US would provide to a planned European reassurance force in Ukraine. The US's access to Ukrainian mineral resources under a prosperity plan remains a topic of negotiation. Zelenskyy also raised concerns about the change in the head of the Russian negotiation delegation, suspecting a delay in negotiations rather than a strategic shift. He criticized Europe's absence from the talks, viewing it as a significant mistake. The Ukrainian president also addressed the Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy plants, which have caused widespread damage. European leaders express pessimism about a diplomatic breakthrough, attributing it to Vladimir Putin's current military and economic strength. Zelenskyy aims to increase the number of Russians killed or seriously injured to 50,000 per month. A European leader predicts at least two more years of war and believes Europe has the resources to support Ukraine during this period. Additionally, Zelenskyy criticized the Iranian regime for providing drones that have caused significant damage in Ukraine, calling for immediate action against the regime to prevent further destruction.
