At the Munich Security Conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet US Vice President JD Vance with a strong warning against trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid growing concerns in Kyiv and among European allies that the Ukraine conflict might be resolved without Ukraine’s input.
Zelensky’s concerns come in the wake of talks between US President Donald Trump and Putin, which have raised alarms in Ukraine and among NATO allies. Trump and Putin discussed the possibility of initiating peace talks and conducting reciprocal visits, signaling a shift from Russia’s previous international isolation. This new development has triggered fear in Kyiv that Trump might push Ukraine into an unfavorable peace deal with Russia, leaving Europe to shoulder the responsibility for Ukraine’s post-war security.
Zelensky has been vocal about the need for a strategy to counter Putin before any peace talks take place, stating that the US must have a clear plan to stop Putin. He also expressed discontent with Trump’s outreach to Putin before reaching out to him, further complicating his diplomatic position.
European leaders at the conference are anxious about the possibility of an “America First” approach, with the US suggesting that NATO membership for Ukraine is impractical and that the security of Ukraine may fall entirely on Europe. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any behind-the-scenes deal on Ukraine would be unacceptable.
While Zelensky is expected to continue pushing for more support from Europe and reaffirm his desire for a just peace, the specter of a negotiated settlement without Ukraine’s full involvement looms large. Many are wary that any peace deal struck without Ukraine’s participation could undermine Europe’s security and embolden Putin further.
As the Munich Security Conference continues, historical parallels with appeasement agreements, such as the 1938 Munich Agreement, have been invoked, heightening the sense of urgency and concern among European allies. Despite these challenges, Zelensky remains determined to secure Ukraine’s future while preventing any unilateral deals that could endanger the country’s sovereignty.
