Ukraine is drawing a clear line in the sand: President Zelenskyy declared in Munich that any peace deal with Russia hinges on robust, long-term security guarantees from the United States and a clear path to European Union membership.
Currently, the US has offered a 15-year security guarantee, but Ukraine is pushing for a minimum 20-year, legally binding agreement. This isn’t just about a number; Kyiv wants specific details on the support Washington would provide to a planned European reassurance force operating within Ukraine after a peace agreement.
EU membership is also a crucial point. While some officials hint at Ukraine joining by 2027, President Zelenskyy is calling for a definitive timeline, eager to secure his nation’s future within the bloc.
However, trilateral talks involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine are proving challenging. Zelenskyy voiced frustration, feeling that the discussions often miss the mark, with the US frequently focusing on Ukrainian concessions rather than Russian ones. This sentiment is echoed by European leaders, who are wary of Washington’s hesitation to clearly define its security promises to Ukraine before any deal is signed, creating a notable strain in transatlantic relations.
Adding to the complexity, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while speaking of partnership with Europe, made it clear that cooperation comes with conditions – climate, migration, and tariffs – and America is prepared to act alone if necessary. Notably, his speech offered minimal focus on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, apart from urging India to cease Russian oil imports.
When the US suggested Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas region for a quicker peace, Zelenskyy firmly rejected it, stating that Ukrainians live there and such a concession is impossible. Ukraine’s message remains unwavering: durable US security commitments are non-negotiable for true peace.
