Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on 14/2, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the US has so far proposed a 15-year security guarantee package for Ukraine. However, Kyiv wants these security guarantees to last a minimum of 20 years, be legally watertight, and clearly outline Washington's specific support for a European security force expected to be deployed within Ukrainian territory if a peace agreement is reached.

The Ukrainian President also called for a clear timeline for the country's admission to the European Union (EU), noting that some EU officials suggested the earliest possibility is 2027. Zelensky added that election plans, which the US urged Ukraine to hold before 15/5, can only take place two months after a ceasefire to ensure voter security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Munich, Germany, on 14/2. *Photo: AFP*.

Zelensky expressed Ukraine's desire to reach an "honorable" agreement, hoping that trilateral meetings with the US and Russia next week will be serious, substantive, and productive. He observed that Washington often returns to the topic of concessions, and these demands for concessions target Ukraine "too often", making him feel that "at times the parties seem to be talking about completely different things".

The Ukrainian leader revealed that the US argued that if Ukraine withdraws from Donbass, peace would come "as quickly as possible". However, he completely rejected this demand, emphasizing that Ukrainians are still living in the region. Ukraine is ready to discuss the US proposal for a free trade zone in this area, while "freezing" the rest of the approximately 1,200 km long frontline.

Kyiv also expressed surprise when Moscow replaced its chief negotiator, assessing the move might aim to "buy time" rather than indicate a strategic shift. The Russian delegation to Geneva will be led by President Vladimir Putin's advisor Vladimir Medinsky, instead of military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, who led previous rounds in Abu Dhabi. The Ukrainian President stated that Russian attacks on energy infrastructure will be a topic raised at the Geneva talks, adding that no energy plant in Ukrainian territory has been unaffected. He also complained that Europe was almost absent from the negotiating table, calling it a huge mistake.

Thanh Danh (Reuters, Guardian)