Munich Security Conference 2025: key takeaways on Ukraine

The Munich Security Conference is concluding after three days of discussions on Ukraine, Russia's aggression, and peace negotiations.

Rubryka summarizes the key statements made about Ukraine during the event.

The conference, which began on February 14, brought together over 50 world leaders and more than 800 participants. Prominent European and American figures who spoke included:

• the president of Ukraine,
• the head of the European Commission,
• the vice president of the United States,
• the secretary general of NATO.

As is customary, the conference does not issue a joint final statement. However, forum chairman Christoph Heusgen expressed hope that this year's discussions would help outline steps toward peace in Ukraine.

Trump's special representative has 180 days to meet deadline

The US president's special representative for peace in Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has set his own deadline for engaging all parties in efforts to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine.

"I live by Trump's time—he asks today, and tomorrow he asks why it hasn't been done yet. So I'm publicly setting a 180-day deadline and starting the countdown to ensure all parties are involved," he said at a Ukrainian lunch in Munich.

The US does not see Europe "physically" at the negotiating table

Kellogg stated that Europe is unlikely to have a "physical" presence at the negotiating table for peace talks on Ukraine. However, he assured that the interests of European partners would still be considered.

"How do you define the table? Will you be sitting at a third table?" he asked, addressing European representatives. "Will your interests be included in these discussions? Yes. But if you mean physically sitting at the table, then no."

At the same time, Trump's special representative emphasized that the United States would serve as a mediator in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

"When we talk about sitting at the table, I am here to gather important information. I am a diplomat. Ukrainians and Russians will be at the table, with Americans acting as mediators," he said.

Ukraine should decide who should be at the negotiating table

Zelensky responded to Kellogg's statement about Europe's role in peace talks—which sparked outrage among Europeans—during a conversation with journalists. He emphasized that the war is happening on Ukrainian territory.

"The war is not in the US or the European Union, thank God. But unfortunately, it is in Ukraine. That's why I believe Ukraine should take the lead in deciding who should be at the negotiating table," the president said.

Ceasefire and long-term peace agreement will not be remarkable success

Trump's special representative emphasized that a future peace agreement on Ukraine will not resemble the Minsk agreements and must ensure lasting stability.

"A ceasefire and a long-term peace agreement will not be a remarkable success. The definition of success will be the first time the ceasefire is violated and how all sides respond," Kellogg said.

He also stated that Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine will not end in a decisive Ukrainian victory like in World War II.

"I think the real question is how we define victory. Let's be honest, Ukraine has made extraordinary sacrifices and fought with great bravery. The first priority is to stop the bleeding—then to heal the wounds. If you expect victory to look like World War II, with a formal peace treaty signing, that probably won't happen," he explained.

According to Kellogg, the Russian dictator will have to make concessions as part of a peace settlement.

"In my view, these should include territorial concessions. But not only that—there could also be commitments to refrain from using armed forces in the future and possibly even a reduction in military personnel," he noted.

Agreement on "rare earths" between Ukraine and the USA

On the sidelines of the Munich Conference, Senator Lindsey Graham commented on the rare earth metals agreement that Ukraine and the United States are negotiating.

"Now President Trump can tell Americans: 'Ukraine is not a burden, but an advantage.' They are sitting on resources worth a trillion dollars that we can all use," Graham said.

Earlier, media reports suggested that Ukraine was dissatisfied with the American version of the agreement. Later, President Zelensky confirmed that negotiations were still ongoing.

"The agreement is being signed at the ministerial level. But as president, I have influence over the quality of this document. That's why I did not allow the ministers to sign it yet—because, in my opinion, it is not ready. It does not yet fully protect our interests," Zelensky explained.

Zelensky called for the creation of the European army

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky urged Europe not to rely entirely on US support, warning that Washington could say "no" on security matters.

"Many leaders have said that Europe needs its own armed forces—an Army of Europe. I believe that time has come. Europe must create its own military," he said.

Senator Graham's plan for Ukraine's accession to NATO

At a panel discussion in Munich, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that Ukraine should be admitted into NATO immediately if Russia launches another attack. However, for now, Ukraine's membership in the alliance is not under discussion.

"If we take Ukraine into NATO, Putin will go completely crazy. Though, I think he already has. The goal is to scare him—to make him think twice before acting. If he does, we will destroy his economy and cripple his country with sanctions," Graham said.

The war should not happen again in a few years

After meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the Munich Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance expressed his desire for a lasting peace in Ukraine.

"We want the war to end, we want the killings to stop, but we want to achieve lasting peace, not just a temporary solution that could lead to conflict in Europe again in a few years," he said.

Munich Security Conference

The annual Munich Security Conference began on February 14 and will run for three days, concluding on February 16. This forum for global discussions on international security has gained heightened importance due to Russia's war against Ukraine and other worldwide challenges.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is leading the Ukrainian delegation at the conference.

Key meetings held by Ukrainian officials and allied representatives include:

• Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, met with Keith Kellogg, the special envoy of US. President Donald Trump.
• Zelensky met with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, thanking them for their continued support for Ukraine.
• Zelensky held talks with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda to discuss forming a unified position.
• Zelensky also met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg in attendance.
• The Ukrainian president met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
• Zelensky held a meeting with Armin Papperger, CEO of the German defense company Rheinmetall AG.