Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Munich Security Conference, asserting that the Ukrainian army is the strongest in Europe and advocating for its inclusion in NATO. His remarks come as Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of its ongoing conflict with Russia.
During his address, Zelenskyy urged the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump to intensify pressure on Russia to halt its military actions. He suggested that the U.S. Congress may need to consider enhanced post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy noted that discussions involving American officials often emphasize the need for concessions from Ukraine rather than from Russia. He expressed concern regarding regimes like Iran, stating that they should not be afforded any leniency.
In a visual presentation, Zelenskyy showcased a recent large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine, which occurred on February 12. He highlighted the significant human cost of the conflict, revealing that the occupation of just one kilometer of Ukrainian territory costs the Russian military approximately 156 soldiers.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine has captured over 4,000 Russian soldiers, while around 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers remain in Russian captivity. He indicated that no final decision has been made regarding the supply of German Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
In discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for more robust security guarantees, stating that while the U.S. has proposed a 15-year commitment, Ukraine is seeking assurances that extend beyond 20 years.
Following his meetings in Munich, Zelenskyy plans to communicate with U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss the future of the PURL program and its development.
In addition to military discussions, Zelenskyy met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to address energy projects and the ongoing peace negotiations.
During the conference, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended the resilience of the Ukrainian civilian population in the face of Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed uncertainty regarding Russia’s commitment to ending the conflict, stating that the conditions under which they might agree remain unclear.
In related developments, the Ukrainian military reported 98 combat engagements with Russian forces since the start of the day, with the heaviest fighting occurring in the Pokrovsk direction. Ukrainian forces successfully targeted a Russian transport landing craft in Crimea and struck a communications hub in the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region.
As the conflict continues, Ukrainian officials are also focusing on domestic issues, including energy resilience and social stability. Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko discussed these matters with regional military administration leaders, emphasizing the need for recovery efforts in energy infrastructure.
The ongoing war has resulted in significant civilian and military casualties, with recent drone attacks causing injuries and damage to residential areas. Ukrainian authorities are working to restore energy supplies disrupted by Russian strikes, while also preparing for future challenges.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the strength of the Ukrainian military at the Munich Security Conference, advocating for NATO membership and stronger security guarantees from the U.S. Amid ongoing conflict, discussions with international leaders focused on military support and energy resilience.
