Zelenskyy Warns Europe Cannot Guarantee Ukraine’s Security Without America
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Europe can’t be confident in sufficient security in Ukraine without the United States. In an interview on the eve of a critical diplomatic visit to the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy said American involvement still matters greatly to his country in fighting ongoing Russian aggression.
“There are those who say that Europe can provide us with security guarantees without the Americans. I always say no,” Zelenskyy said in an interview from Kyiv, emphasizing the importance of US military aid, in particular the Patriot air defense systems, for Ukraine’s protection. “Only Patriot can save us from all types of missiles. Without America, security guarantees are not real security guarantees,” he added.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come after former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at pulling back U.S. backing for Ukraine if re-elected. While Trump’s remarks on ending the war have drawn concern over a U.S.-brokered peace deal that might force Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, Zelenskyy emphasized negotiating from a position of strength. He dangled heavy investment opportunities in postwar reconstruction and natural resource extraction as incentives for the U.S. to continue backing.
“We are ready to work with the US companies on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The companies that participate will get the right to significant supplies, including uranium and titanium,” the president continued. That, he said, is more strategically important for not only keeping them out of Russia’s hands but also because it is feared Russia might start sharing those reserves with adversary countries, especially North Korea and Iran.
Mr. Zelenskyy will meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and others on President Trump’s team during the Munich Security Conference. A meeting with Mr. Trump has not been officially set, though the Ukrainian president expressed hope a date would soon be confirmed.
Ammid growing speculation of Trump’s positioning on Ukraine, Zelenskyy has tailored his message to chime with the former president’s business-first approach. He emphasized that American involvement in Ukraine would create profits for U.S. companies while generating jobs for Ukrainians.
The stakes are high for Ukraine to navigate uncertain U.S. support. Recent reports of Trump’s calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin only fanned the flames of these anxieties in Kyiv. Zelenskyy is, however, diplomatic and does not make any critical remarks against Trump’s approach. He has instead spoken of the need for a meeting with U.S. leaders before any future negotiations with Russia.
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts are only the concrete manifestation of a larger strategy aimed at the very survival and security of Ukraine through strong international alliances. European countries are not very willing, apparently, to send their peacekeeping troops without any serious backing from the United States of America. “History shows that UN troops or similar missions have rarely helped anyone. Real security guarantees must involve America,” he said.
With Ukraine at a crossroads in its fight for freedom, Zelenskyy’s leadership has been focused on trying to win the military and economic aid needed to rebuild and defend his country. Success will now depend in large measure on the commitment shown by the new U.S. administration toward the cause of Ukraine.
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