Zelensky Ties Negotiation with Russia to “Western Guarantees” and Continued Military Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Sunday that Ukraine needs more weapons and security guarantees before agreeing to start negotiations with Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. After meeting with senior European officials in Kyiv, Zelensky said, “Only when these elements are in place and we become stronger should we set the agenda for a meeting with the killers,” according to AFP. Zelensky also emphasized that the invitation to join NATO is “essential for Ukraine’s survival” after nearly three years of Russian aggression. He stated at the end of the meeting, “Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO is necessary for our survival. We are working at all levels to strengthen Ukraine’s position and that of the entire Euro-Atlantic community.”

Currently, Russia controls about 18% of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and the Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, though Russia does not fully control these areas. In recent weeks, Russian forces have made significant gains, marking the fastest territorial advances since early 2022. The conflict has intensified with large-scale strikes on areas under Ukrainian control, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to strike decision-making centers in Kyiv with his new “Oreshnik” missile.

Zelensky’s statements followed a meeting with a European delegation, including European Council President Antonio Costa and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell. On the first day of their new mandates, the European officials visited Kyiv to express support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, according to Reuters.

Costa wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Since the first day of the war, the European Union has stood by Ukraine… and since the first day of our term, we reaffirm our steadfast support for the Ukrainian people.” He posted a picture with Kalas and Marta Kos, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, as they arrived by train. Both Costa and Kalas have been strong supporters of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Their visit comes as Kyiv struggles to fend off fierce Russian attacks amidst uncertainty over the United States’ policy when President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.

The European Union states and institutions have provided Ukraine with aid worth around $133 billion since the war began. Kalas said, “In my first visit since taking office, my message is clear: the European Union wants Ukraine to win this war. We will do whatever it takes to achieve that.” Kalas gained prominence as Estonia’s Prime Minister and is one of the staunchest critics of Moscow. Russia placed her on a wanted list this year for allegedly destroying Soviet-era monuments.

For the first time since the war began, Zelensky showed some flexibility and softened his stance against any peace talks with Putin. On Friday, he asked NATO to provide guaranteed protection for Ukrainian-held territories in order to “stop the critical phase of the war,” implicitly suggesting he would be willing to wait to reclaim lands held by Russia. On the other hand, Russian President Putin wants Ukraine to concede four regions in the south and east partially occupied by Moscow, as well as Crimea, and abandon its bid to join NATO.

While Kalas acknowledged that “the strongest security guarantee is NATO membership,” Western diplomats doubt the alliance will offer Ukraine membership soon, given the opposition from some members wary of being dragged into a war with Russia.