Munich Security Conference highlights stalled Ukraine peace talks

The conference, running Feb. 13-15 ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will bring together dozens of world leaders and senior officials, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Six European officials told Politico they do not anticipate “many concrete results to come out of the gathering other than statements of solidarity” with Ukraine.

According to two European officials and a senior U.S. official, the United States has made it clear to Ukraine that it will not conclude a security guarantees agreement until Kyiv and Moscow reach a peace deal. With Russia firmly insisting on its territorial ultimatums — which Ukraine refuses to accept — the peace process has reached a deadlock, the article states.

An official from President Donald Trump’s administration insisted the White House is not trying to use an agreement as leverage against Zelenskyy.

“He wants to get a lot of things firmed up and solidified before actually signing,” the official said, referring to security guarantees.

“He doesn’t just want to sign it, and if that sort of impedes any further peace talks, what’s the point?”

Territory remains “the main sticking point," one source told Politico, adding that both sides are deeply entrenched but “everyone feels there is a path forward.”

According to Politico, Zelenskyy plans to use the Munich conference to call for increased pressure on Russia and to demonstrate unity with Europe. In comments to Politico, the Ukrainian president said he will emphasize Ukraine’s need for air defense systems and highlight efforts to export weapons to fund domestic drone production. He also plans meetings with Macron and other European leaders.

“We are ready to open a lot of joint productions. There are also several aid packages that I personally hope to discuss, my contact with partners needed there,” Zelenskyy said.

The Munich Security Conference runs on Feb. 13-15. President Zelenskyy arrived in Germany on Friday to participate in the summit. His agenda includes launching Ukraine’s first joint drone production enterprise with Germany as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings with partners.

On Feb. 12, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he plans to meet with Zelenskyy at the Munich conference.