Munich has become a platform for tough statements about the future of the war in Ukraine and the security architecture of Europe. Kyiv is seeking 20-year guarantees from the United States and additional support by February 24, while emphasizing the high price that Russia is paying for every kilometer of Ukrainian land. The European Union is forming a list of demands to Moscow, and American diplomats are convincing that China has leverage to end the war. The discussion is going beyond the region and is becoming part of a broader geopolitical struggle.
Allies promise Ukraine new energy and military packages by February 24, - Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced, that Kyiv has agreed with European partners new packages of energy and military support on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24. According to him, the relevant agreements were reached during a meeting of the leaders of the so-called “Berlin format” in Munich.
“In Munich, we agreed with the leaders of the Berlin format on specific packages of energy and military assistance for Ukraine by February 24,” Zelensky wrote.
The president added that he expects all agreed components of support to be delivered in a timely manner.
The head of state stressed that Ukraine is trying to mobilize the support of partners against the backdrop of a difficult situation on the front and constant air attacks on the energy system. According to him, in the last week alone, Russia has used about 1,300 strike drones, 1,200 guided bombs and dozens of ballistic missiles. As a result of attacks on large cities, including Kyiv, millions of citizens were left without electricity in freezing conditions.
“I am grateful to our partners for their willingness to help, and we expect that all supplies will arrive promptly,” the president of Ukraine added.
Ukraine demands 20-year security guarantees from the US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Munich that Kyiv insists on at least 20 years of legally binding security guarantees from the US before concluding a peace agreement with Russia. According to him, the 15-year term proposed by Washington is insufficient.
“The Americans often return to the topic of concessions, and too often these concessions are discussed only in the context of Ukraine, not Russia,” Zelensky stressed.
He also called for a clear date for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine would not agree to give up Donbas as a condition for a quick peace, since Ukrainian citizens live there.
“Are you ready to freeze the line where you are now? We are ready. Are you ready for any compromises? Only if the other side wants a compromise,” the president noted.
Zelensky added that elections are possible only two months after the ceasefire, in order to guarantee the safety of citizens. He also stressed that without US support, advancing the peace process will be much more difficult, and at the moment he does not see a real intention on the part of Russia to end the war.
Kallas: Europe must define clear demands for Russia before negotiations
The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kallas, said during the Munich Security Conference that Europe must formulate a specific list of demands for Russia before starting or continuing peace talks. Commenting on the speech of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, she noted that there may be disagreements between the parties, but transatlantic cooperation must be maintained.
“I have offered member states a specific mandate – a list of demands that we should put forward to Russia. Whoever sits at the negotiating table should talk about this,” Kallas said. She stressed that Europe is not on the verge of decline, but on the contrary remains attractive to other states.
Kallas warned that there is a risk that Russia may gain more at the negotiating table than on the battlefield.
“Russia is not a superpower. After more than a decade of conflict, including four years of full-scale war, it has hardly advanced beyond the 2014 lines,” she stressed.
According to the EU representative, the Russian economy is in a difficult state, and a significant part of its citizens are leaving the country. She emphasized the need for unity between Europe and the United States in approaches to ending the war.
Zelensky: Every kilometer of occupied land costs Russia 170 soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with The Atlantic, that Russian losses amount to an average of 170 soldiers – killed or seriously injured – for every kilometer of occupied Ukrainian territory.
“Ukraine will not lose. And I think the Trump administration has understood this. We recently calculated that one kilometer of occupied Ukrainian land costs them 170 casualties or injuries, so much so that they will not return,” he said.
According to the president, the Ukrainian side has evidence of these losses and does not see any strategic successes of the enemy in recent months.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine supports all US peace initiatives, but does not see Russia's readiness to end the war.
"We do not want the Americans to leave these negotiations. I simply do not understand why the Americans do not see the value of all this for themselves," he noted.
The president added that the Russians, regardless of the format of the negotiations, will try to drag out the process. At the same time, he expressed his belief that now it is US President Donald Trump who is able to influence Moscow and force it to make real decisions.
US Ambassador to NATO: China can stop the war with one call to Putin
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said during the Munich Security Conference that China plays a key role in supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine and could stop the war with one political decision.
“China could call Vladimir Putin and stop this war tomorrow and cut off the supply of dual-use technologies that they are selling,” the diplomat said.
He also added that China could stop buying Russian oil and gas. According to him, “this war is completely provided by China.”
Beijing rejected the accusations, calling them “absolutely baseless criticism” and said it was ready to play a “constructive” role in resolving the crisis.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga in Munich and offered humanitarian assistance. Whitaker stressed that NATO remains strong and the United States will continue to fulfill its commitments to allies, expecting them to increase defense spending. He stressed that transatlantic unity remains a key factor in security.
Photo: theatlantic.com
Author: Danylo Pievchev