Zelenskyy – Vance meeting concludes without deal, but agreement to work on draft on ‘economic partnership’
The teams of Ukraine and the United States agreed to continue their work on drafting the document on economic partnership between the two countries, according to a statement by the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after talks with a US delegation headed by Vice President JD Vance.
The talks took place at the Munich Security Conference, where Vance’s speech to the conference dwelt on attacking European leaders with a nary a mention of Ukraine, as the BBC reported.
The US delegation that met Zelenskyy also included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg.
The Trump administration has suggested to Ukraine that the US be granted 50 per cent ownership of the country’s rare earth minerals.
At the talks in Munich, parties discussed a number of key issues, the Ukrainian Presidency’s statement said.
Ukraine looks forward to Kellogg’s visit for further meetings and a deeper assessment of the situation on the ground, it said.
Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is ready to move as quickly as possible towards a real and guaranteed peace.
Ukraine deeply values Trump’s “determination, which can help stop the war and secure justice and security guarantees for Ukraine,” according to the statement.
“Our first meeting. Not the last, I am sure. And what we really need is to talk more, work more and prepare a plan to stop Putin and end the war. We want peace very much, but we need real security guarantees. And we will continue our meetings and our work,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy also met with a bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives led by Congressman Michael Turner.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the unwavering bipartisan support of the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression.
He emphasised that the price the allies pay for supporting Ukraine could be much higher if Russia attacks Europe.
That is why it is so important now to provide maximum assistance to our state, continue military support and achieve a guaranteed and lasting peace based on the “peace through strength” approach, he said.
Zelenskyy met with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
The two discussed coordination with Nato member states to develop a joint position on ending the war and pressuring Russia toward a just and lasting peace. If the aggressor state is not stopped now, it could become a threat to any Nato country later, Zelenskyy said.
Separately, he said that one of the conditions for ending the war should be reliable security guarantees.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the continued support of Ukraine and noted the importance of the meetings held in Brussels in the Ramstein format and Nato-Ukraine Council. Our state expects all decisions made to be implemented as soon as possible, he said.
Zelenskyy and Rutte discussed the defence needs of Ukrainian warriors, in particular in the artillery, the Ukrainian President’s office said.
Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to coordinate steps for a just end to the war, a statement said.
The Ukrainian leader informed his counterpart about the meeting with Vance and a recent call with Trump, as well as the latest contacts with European leaders.
Zelenskyy and Macron discussed the development of an effective strategy for Ukraine, the US and Europe to bring a just peace closer. The Ukrainian President emphasised the importance of Europe’s presence at the negotiating table.
Zelenskyy had a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and thanked her for supporting Ukraine, his office said.
He informed her about contacts with the new US presidential administration, particularly about the February 14 meeting with Vance and a recent conversation with Trump.
The Ukrainian President’s office said that Zelenskyy and Meloni discussed joint coordination efforts with partners to ensure a just end to the war.
Before starting any negotiations, Ukraine, Europe and the US should develop a common strategy and action plan, and then participate in negotiations together, the statement said.
(Photos: Office of the President of Ukraine)
Please support The Sofia Globe’s independent journalism by becoming a subscriber to our page on Patreon:
