Vance, Zelensky Discuss Durable Peace, Security Guarantees in Munich

During a meeting at the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed strategies for achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts with Russia. Vance emphasized the U.S. commitment to a 'durable' peace that would prevent future conflicts in Eastern Europe, while Zelensky underscored the necessity of 'real security guarantees' for Ukraine before any negotiations with Russia could proceed. Both leaders expressed a desire for continued dialogue, with Zelensky noting their meeting was just the beginning of further discussions. The backdrop of this meeting includes concerns about former President Trump's recent peace overtures to Russia, which have left Ukraine and its allies anxious about their future role in negotiations. Zelensky reiterated his willingness to engage with Putin only after establishing a common plan with U.S. and European leaders. The meetings reflect a critical moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as both sides aim to solidify a path towards peace while addressing security needs.