Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that any agreements aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia will be ineffective without clear international security guarantees. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he emphasized that these assurances are crucial to prevent future aggression from Russia.
Zelensky characterized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mindset as rooted in historical territorial ambitions, stating, “Putin consults more with Peter the Great and Catherine the Great about territorial gains than with any living person about real life.” He warned that without effective deterrents, the conflict could either recur or escalate.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted that Ukraine has prepared security agreements with the United States and European partners, which he believes should form the basis of any future peace negotiations. He stated, “We have strong agreements ready for signing with the U.S. and Europe. We believe that a security guarantee must precede any agreement to end the war. These guarantees will address the key question: how long will there be no war? We hope that President Trump will hear us.”
In previous statements, Zelensky has indicated that the security guarantees for Ukraine should encompass EU membership and the establishment of a long-term deterrent mechanism against Russia. Reports from Western media suggest that Ukraine, in collaboration with the U.S. and European partners, has developed a contingency plan in the event of a breach of any potential peace agreement by Moscow. This plan includes both diplomatic and military responses, allowing for a coordinated ally response within 72 hours in the event of a large-scale Russian offensive.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg indicated that following the signing of a peace agreement, Ukraine could immediately receive support from NATO member states, including the presence of military forces, airpower, and naval components from countries willing to participate in the security guarantees. He also noted that the U.S., European nations, and Canada are prepared to contribute to providing Ukraine with the necessary security assurances.
President Zelensky has stressed the importance of international security guarantees as a prerequisite for any peace agreements with Russia. He outlined Ukraine’s readiness to formalize arrangements with Western allies to ensure long-term stability and deter future aggression.