Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned the United States on Saturday against making any agreements with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement, emphasizing that his country would not accept deals made “behind our backs.” He also called on Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security, including the potential formation of a continental army.
Speaking at a high-level policy forum in Munich, Zelensky urged European nations to assert their influence, warning that Kyiv must not be sidelined as Washington explores ways to end the three-year conflict. His remarks came a day after a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, where he sought assurances that Ukraine’s interests would be safeguarded.
“Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement,” Zelensky stated in his keynote address.
He reinforced the principle that “no decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine” and extended the same stance to Europe’s role in security discussions.
The situation intensified after US President Donald Trump announced plans to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns among Ukraine’s allies. Zelensky warned that Putin might use Trump for propaganda purposes, possibly inviting him to Moscow for Russia’s WWII victory parade in May.
Kyiv has pressed Washington to develop a coordinated strategy to counter Russia, though Zelensky suggested that no unified approach had yet been agreed upon after his discussions with Vance. He also emphasized the need for security guarantees from both the US and Europe to prevent Russia from regrouping and reigniting the conflict in the future.
“Putin cannot offer real security guarantees—not just because he is untrustworthy, but because Russia, in its current state, relies on war to maintain its grip on power,” Zelensky remarked.
He stressed that strong sanctions against Russia and bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities were essential to securing peace, while also expressing openness to the idea of European peacekeepers in the long run.
‘No Time to Lose’
European leaders echoed Zelensky’s concerns, urging decisive action to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability.
“There will only be peace if Ukraine’s sovereignty is secured,” stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the Munich Security Conference.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the urgency of establishing a European-led security plan.
“Europe urgently needs its own strategy regarding Ukraine and regional security, or else external powers will dictate our future,” Tusk warned.
“This plan must be put in place now. There is no time to lose.”
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that discussions on concrete security guarantees for Ukraine were progressing among European leaders.
Although US officials have reassured Kyiv that it will not be abandoned, mixed signals from Washington have caused unease. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent statement that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO or reclaim all its occupied territories has heightened concerns that Kyiv could be pressured into an unfavorable settlement, strengthening Putin’s position.
Rare Earths Agreement in Discussion
In an effort to maintain strong ties with Washington, Ukraine has been negotiating potential access for US companies to its rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for future security commitments. Zelensky confirmed that discussions on the matter were ongoing following his meeting with Vance.
Escalating Conflict on the Ground
As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine’s forces are facing mounting challenges on the battlefield. On Saturday, Russia’s military claimed to have seized a village in the eastern Donetsk region, advancing toward a key supply route. Moscow has been making incremental territorial gains in eastern Ukraine for over a year, seeking to cut off access to the strategic town of Pokrovsk.
Additionally, a Russian drone reportedly struck a protective structure at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, though radiation levels remained stable.
“A country that launches such attacks does not seek peace,” Zelensky asserted. “They are not preparing for dialogue.”
