Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Friday at the Munich Security Conference. During the meeting, Zelensky requested security guarantees for his country as part of Donald Trump’s plan to end the war.
Vance assured him that the U.S. seeks “a lasting peace” in Ukraine, aiming to prevent another conflict in Eastern Europe in the coming years. Both leaders described the meeting as “a good conversation” and stated they would continue discussions in the coming days and weeks.
Zelensky is trying to influence negotiations on the future of the war, especially amid concerns that Trump, upon returning to power, may seek an agreement with Russia without involving Ukraine or its European allies. Recent statements from U.S. officials suggesting that Ukraine might have to relinquish its 2014 borders and abandon its NATO aspirations have raised concerns in Brussels and Eastern European countries.
In his speech in Munich, Vance criticized European leaders for their attempts to regulate speech on social media and accused them of “fearing their voters,” referring to the rise of the far right. He also declared that “there’s a new sheriff in Washington,” alluding to Trump’s return.
Meanwhile, Zelensky faces mounting challenges: Russia controls one-fifth of Ukraine, the eastern front continues to deteriorate, and soldiers are exhausted after nearly three years of war. Additionally, many young men are trying to avoid conscription, the economy is struggling, and thousands of women and children remain refugees in other countries.
