Kiev is ready to make peace, but European leaders must be prepared for Russia's aggression because Vladimir Putin is a “slave of war” – warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during Saturday's security conference in Munich.
— The longer the war lasts, the more dangerous the consequences become, the more dangerous is the evolution of weapons and the war itself, as well as the evolution of Putin himself, Zelensky said in his speech.
According to the Ukrainian leader, Putin “is no longer interested in anything else” except war because he “cannot imagine life without power or after losing it.”
— We are ready for an agreement that will bring real peace. We believe this war can be ended, he said. He emphasized that this is a condition obtaining ironclad security guarantees from Kiev's alliesto prevent another attack from Russia.
Peace talks, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are scheduled to resume in Geneva next week. They have been delayed because Ukraine is resisting American pressure to give up territories — some of which are not yet controlled by Russia. There are still no specific security guarantees for Kiev under the post-war agreement.
“We sincerely hope that next week's trilateral meetings will be serious, substantive and helpful to all of us, but honestly, sometimes it seems that the parties are talking about completely different issues,” Zelensky said, adding: “Americans often return to the topic of concessions, and too often these concessions are discussed only in the context of Ukraine, not Russia.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Ukraine to show greater flexibility. — Zelensky must act. Russia wants to reach an agreement, and if Russia doesn't act, it will miss an important opportunity, Trump said Friday.
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Zelensky stressed that his country is making huge sacrifices to stop Russia, and reiterated a call for larger and faster deliveries of weapons from allies. A particular point of contention is delays in the delivery of missiles to air defense systems as Russia bombs key power plants and heating plants in the cold winter.
Ukraine is also attacking targets deep inside Russia, and Zelensky noted that this appears to be making Russia more serious about peace negotiations. “The stronger we are, the more realistic peace becomes,” he said.
“Putin will start negotiating when he feels pain”
Zelensky also pressed in Munich for the delivery of Tomahawk missiles from the US. During a meeting with US senators, the Ukrainian president told them that these missiles would help Kiev hit targets deep inside Russia.
— The meeting focused on the current situation on the front, the losses suffered by Russia and what the Russians must do if they want to move the line of contact forward, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly told POLITICO.
On Friday, Senator Lindsey Graham, who led the Senate delegation in Munich, said Kiev needed long-range missiles to force Putin to enter into negotiations. — I'll keep the pressure on the Tomahawks Graham told POLITICO during the summit.
Senator Lindsey Graham during a panel discussion at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, February 13, 2026.Sean Gallup/Getty Images / Staff / Getty Images
Republican senator Roger Wicker supported the Ukrainian leader's call for American missiles. “We need to unlock the Tomahawk missiles,” he said. — This is the message that will come from Congressbut the decision belongs to the administration, he added.
Wicker said Putin was not negotiating in good faith. — Vladimir Putin started this war. He is a war criminal, and this year he began committing more war crimes, attacking civilians. He will only start negotiating in good faith when he feels pain, he stressed.
While European leaders in Munich emphasized that they were increasing defense spending and rebuilding their armed forces, Zelensky drew attention to the threat from Russia.
— Ask yourselves whether you are ready not only for the challenges of Russian aggression, the challenges of modern war, but also for constant efforts to convince the world to fight for support to defend the interests of your country every day, just as Ukraine must do, he said.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
