Munich – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism regarding potential peace talks with Russia, brokered by the United States next week, while simultaneously voicing concerns that Kyiv is being disproportionately pressured to make concessions. Zelenskyy’s remarks, delivered at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, , came as U.S. President Donald Trump actively seeks a diplomatic resolution to Europe’s largest conflict since 1945.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized the need for “clear security guarantees” from allies, stating that the current dynamic often sees Ukraine bearing the brunt of demands for compromise, rather than Russia. “The Americans often return to the topic of concessions,” Zelenskyy said, “and too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine, not Russia.”
This sentiment reflects growing frustration within Kyiv regarding the perceived imbalance in negotiations. Two recent rounds of U.S.-mediated talks held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, were described as “constructive” by all parties, but failed to yield any significant breakthroughs. A further round of trilateral discussions is scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on of this week.
Zelenskyy expressed hope that the Geneva talks would be “serious, substantive, and helpful for all of us,” but acknowledged a disconnect in perspectives. “Honestly, sometimes it feels like the sides are talking about completely different things,” he stated. He also argued for greater European involvement in the negotiation process, lamenting the current lack of a substantial European presence at the table, a situation he described as a “mistake.”
A key point of contention remains Russia’s demand for the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Russian-controlled portions of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has firmly rejected unilateral withdrawal, instead seeking robust security assurances from Western powers to deter future Russian aggression. Zelenskyy revealed that the U.S. Has proposed security guarantees lasting 15 years, while Ukraine is seeking a commitment of 20 years or more.
The Ukrainian president also noted Russia’s opposition to the deployment of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory, while Kyiv seeks a mechanism for monitoring any potential ceasefire and facilitating prisoner exchanges. Zelenskyy estimated that Russia currently holds approximately 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war, while Ukraine holds over 4,000 Russian personnel.
Zelenskyy acknowledged feeling “a little bit” of pressure from President Trump, who on urged him to seize the opportunity for peace and act swiftly. He also called for increased pressure on Russia through enhanced sanctions and continued military aid. According to Zelenskyy, Trump possesses the leverage to compel Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
The shift in the Russian delegation for the Geneva talks has also raised concerns in Kyiv. Moscow has replaced its previous lead negotiator, Igor Kostyukov, head of military intelligence, with Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to President Putin. Ukrainian officials have previously criticized Medinsky’s negotiating style, accusing him of delivering historical lectures rather than engaging in constructive dialogue.
Zelenskyy also drew parallels between the current situation and the 1938 Munich Agreement, where European powers appeased Adolf Hitler by ceding parts of Czechoslovakia, a decision that ultimately failed to prevent World War II. “It would be an illusion to believe that this war can now be definitively ended by dividing Ukraine,” he warned, “just as it was an illusion to believe that sacrificing Czechoslovakia would save Europe from a great war.”
Beyond the immediate negotiations, Zelenskyy sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as a “slave to war.” This strong condemnation underscores the deep-seated animosity and mistrust that continue to plague relations between the two countries.
The outcome of the Geneva talks remains uncertain, but Zelenskyy’s public statements reveal a delicate balancing act: maintaining hope for a peaceful resolution while resisting what he perceives as undue pressure to concede territory or compromise on fundamental security concerns. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a path towards de-escalation can be forged, or whether the conflict in Ukraine will continue to escalate.
