Zelenskyy Condemns Putin as Ukraine Prepares for Crucial Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, sharply criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he described as a "slave to war." This strong denunciation came as Zelenskyy highlighted the devastating impacts of Russia's assaults on Ukraine's infrastructure, specifically noting that every power plant in the nation has been affected. As the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion approaches, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's commitment to pursuing peace. In anticipation of US-brokered negotiations scheduled for next week, Zelenskyy called for long-term security guarantees from the United States, spanning a minimum of two decades, before Ukraine would agree to a peace deal that it considers dignified. Additionally, he urged for a specific timeline regarding Ukraine's potential membership in the European Union, with some EU officials speculating a possible accession by as early as 2027. The crucial discussions between Ukraine, Russia, and the US are to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed this via Russian news outlets. Zelenskyy's earlier remarks underscored the harsh realities faced by Ukrainians under constant Russian bombardment, where heroism is thrust upon civilians rather than chosen. He urged European nations to unite and resist Russian aggression, cautioning that any ill-conceived agreements with Russia would merely serve as a facade and would not deter inevitable future assaults from Putin. Zelenskyy later held private talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and engaged in phone discussions with prominent US figures Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Rubio framed the United States as Europe's ally, emphasizing a cohesive front at the conference and providing reassurance in a time of uncertainty. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment, insisting on the urgent need for a stronger defense cooperation between the UK and Europe, arguing that Britain must be at the forefront of a more robust European defense mechanism, particularly as signs of instability continue to emerge from Russia. Starmer emphasized that the UK has evolved beyond its post-Brexit isolation, positing that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. The conflict has taken a substantial toll on Russian forces as well, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reporting significant losses, estimating around 65,000 Russian soldiers have fallen in just the past two months. He assured that NATO's capabilities remain more than sufficient to deter any current threats from Russia, pledging that the alliance would triumph in any confrontation and that this strength must be continually maintained in the years to come. Amid these geopolitical tensions, drone strikes resulted in casualties on both sides. In Ukraine, a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Odesa claimed the life of an elderly woman. Meanwhile, in Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack killed a civilian in the Bryansk region. The escalating violence underscores the need for urgent dialogue and effective international interventions to restore peace. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2