Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took part in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, where he expressed his views on relations with the United States, the agreement on the extraction of rare resources, negotiations with Putin, and alternative guarantees for NATO membership.
No peace agreement will be signed in Munich
Zelensky noted that, unfortunately, there is no talk of a peace agreement now. Ukraine does not want to negotiate under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, because he is the one who started the war. Ukraine needs the support of the strong US President Donald Trump, who is very important for Kiev to be on his side.
“No peace agreement will be signed in Munich. Because this is Munich. "President Trump is not here, and we know what was signed here before. I will not repeat such mistakes," Zelensky said, referring to the Munich Agreement signed in 1938 with Hitler, Chamberlain and others, which paved the way for World War II.
A peace agreement can only emerge after a plan to end the war is developed, and this plan must be supported by Trump and Europe. "Because we are talking about security guarantees, so the voice of Europe at the negotiating table is very important," Zelensky noted.
Critical minerals must be protected
Zelensky noted that he had a "very good conversation" with Trump and US officials. According to him, Ukraine has been offered to invest in mineral resources, but if such resources are acquired, it is necessary to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of Russia and its allies - North Korea or, possibly, China.
"I do not know who Russia will give these resources to after they are seized. We must preserve strategic minerals, this is my main position. I am glad that the US Treasury Secretary came to Kiev and presented a document. I said that our lawyers would study this document and then I would give my comments,” Zelensky said.
He stressed that this document is not about security guarantees, but a bilateral memorandum. Zelensky expressed his readiness to meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance.
“I am not ready to sign everything now, but I am ready to meet. If this memorandum is ready for signing, we will sign it,” he said.
“Civilized People” Plan
Zelensky believes that a telephone conversation with Putin does not pose a threat to either the United States or Trump, because Trump is stronger than Putin. However, it could pose a threat to the whole world. Zelensky recalled that Putin claims to want peace, but after direct talks in Paris in December 2019, he did not believe this.
“The most important thing is the meeting with Trump. Decisions about Ukraine should not be made without Ukraine’s participation. This is our principle and we will not change it. I speak on behalf of the entire nation. Without security guarantees, we will only give Putin a breather. And I do not want to be the person who helped occupy my country,” he said.
According to Zelensky, Trump has every opportunity to put pressure on Putin and sanctions can be tightened. He expressed his readiness to work out a joint plan for “civilized people” in Washington with Trump.
The US has never seen Ukraine in NATO
Zelensky noted that current and former US presidents have repeatedly said that Ukraine has no place in NATO.
“To be honest, the US has never seen Ukraine in NATO. Yes, they talked about it, but in practice they never wanted it. This is the truth,” he said.
He noted that he had witnessed senators and congressmen supporting Ukraine's membership, but he had never heard a presidential statement that "we will be in NATO together." The question here should be asked not to Trump, but to US policy. But this does not mean that Ukraine cannot change US policy.
What is the alternative to NATO membership?
Zelensky stressed that if Ukraine's strong army joins NATO, he will strengthen the alliance. This will be beneficial for both Ukraine and the alliance, he said.
"Okay, if we do not join NATO today, it is not a problem, we will ask again tomorrow. But what is the alternative for today? If NATO is not in Ukraine, we will create "our own NATO" in Ukraine. This means strengthening the army and doubling the number of soldiers. We will need more than 200 brigades," he said.
This is necessary because Ukraine's joint forces with Europe, which even now number about 80 brigades, are smaller than those of Russia. As for guarantees, it is necessary to finance the expansion of the Ukrainian army, as well as to look for ways to increase the military and military-industrial capabilities of Europe. "We are ready to talk about this," Zelensky said.
What should be the security guarantees?
Zelensky noted that he had held talks with the leaders of the United States, France, and Great Britain on security guarantees. In his opinion, America, together with Europe, should support Ukraine and maintain unity. If this is part of the security guarantees, then so be it.
As for the foreign contingent, it makes absolutely no difference which country it comes from.
"If we are not in NATO, then in any case we need an army of 1.5 million soldiers. This is also important so that after the reconciliation Putin does not have a desire to attack again. This will be a real security guarantee. Putin knows that he has 1.5 million soldiers, and Ukraine has 1.5 million soldiers. If he wants to come and die - please do so," Zelensky said.
Ukraine also knows where additional armed forces will be needed.
"We have a numbered map and it is indicated exactly where the contingent of our foreign partners will be needed. We are ready for any positive decisions, let's work together," Zelensky said.
Contacts with Trump and meeting with Putin
Zelensky noted that Trump gave him his personal phone number and told him to call him at any time. The Ukrainian president stressed that Trump would certainly help him.
He denied rumors about a meeting with Russian representatives next week.
"I will meet with only one person from Russia - Putin. And then only after Trump, Europe and Ukraine have a common plan. Only then can we sit down with Putin and end the war. I am ready to meet with him only on these conditions, not on any other terms of compromise," Zelensky concluded his speech.
Ctrl
Enter
Did you find a Mistake?
Highlight the phrase and press Ctrl+Enter
