Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 15, 2025. © REUTERS
A peace agreement must prevent Moscow from reigniting the war in the future.
“Putin the president of russia provide real security guarantees—not just because he is untrustworthy, but because Russia, in its current state, relies on war to maintain control,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that strong sanctions against Russia and bolstering Ukraine’s military were key to securing peace. He also expressed openness to the idea of European peacekeepers in the future.
European leaders echoed Zelensky’s call for action, stressing the need for Europe to take a leading role.
“There will only be peace if Ukraine’s sovereignty is secured,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Munich Security Conference.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Europe to establish its own policies on Ukraine and security, warning that uncertainty in U.S. foreign policy could leave Europe vulnerable.
“Europe urgently needs its own plan of action regarding Ukraine and our security, or else other global players will determine our future,” Tusk said. “This plan must be developed now. There is no time to lose.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that European leaders were entering the concrete planning phase for potential security guarantees.
Will the U.S. and Ukraine Forge a Rare Earths Deal?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on February 12, 2025. Following his meeting with Zelensky, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance stated that Washington sought a “long lasting peace” that would prevent future conflicts.
However, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth appeared to rule out Ukraine joining NATO or reclaiming all its territory, raising concerns in Kyiv and across Europe that Ukraine might be pressured into an unfavorable agreement, leaving the continent vulnerable to an emboldened Putin.
To maintain strong ties with Washington, Kyiv has been negotiating access to its rare earth mineral deposits in exchange for future U.S. security support. Zelensky confirmed that discussions were ongoing after his talks with Vance.
Meanwhile, the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine remains dire. Russia’s military claimed to have captured a village in eastern Donetsk, near a key supply route, as it continues its slow territorial gains.
Despite suffering significant losses, Russian forces have been advancing for over a year in eastern Ukraine, aiming to cut off access to Pokrovsk.
The escalation followed a Russian drone strike on a protective structure at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. While radiation levels remained stable, the attack underscored Russia’s aggressive tactics.
“A country that launches such attacks does not seek peace. They don’t want it,” Zelensky said. “They are not preparing for dialogue they .”