Zelenskyy Condemns Putin as 'Slave to War' in Munich Speech
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a powerful address at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Saturday, sharply criticizing Russian leader Vladimir Putin as a "slave to war." Speaking just days before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia's relentless attacks have damaged every power plant in Ukraine, highlighting the severe toll on the country's infrastructure.
Urgent Calls for European Unity and Security Guarantees
In his speech, Zelenskyy urged Europe to "stand up to Russia" and cautioned against any half-baked peace agreements, describing such deals as an "illusion" that would not prevent future aggression from Putin. He stressed the need for a clear timeline for Ukraine's accession to the European Union, with some EU officials suggesting a potential entry date as early as 2027. Additionally, Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's demand for security guarantees from the United States, seeking a minimum of 20 years of assurance before signing any dignified peace accord with Russia.
Upcoming Diplomatic Talks and International Responses
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia and Ukraine will hold US-brokered talks on Tuesday and Wednesday, as reported by Russian news agencies. Zelenskyy affirmed that Kyiv is doing "everything" to end the conflict. Following his public address, Zelenskyy engaged in bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reinforced US-European unity by referring to the United States as the "child of Europe." Phone conversations with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also took place later in the evening.
European Defence and NATO Assessments
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the urgent necessity for a stronger UK defence relationship with Europe, asserting that the UK is no longer the "Britain of the Brexit years" and must be central to a robust European defence framework and economic revival. He warned that "the solidity of peace" is softening amid "warning signs" from Russia, calling for Europe to take primary responsibility for its own security. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reported that Russia is suffering "crazy losses" in Ukraine, with approximately 65,000 soldiers killed over the past two months. Rutte expressed confidence in NATO's strength, stating that the alliance would prevail in any current conflict with Russia and must maintain this readiness in the coming years.
Recent Casualties from Drone Strikes
Officials reported drone strikes resulting in fatalities on both sides of the conflict on Saturday. In Ukraine, an elderly woman died when a Russian drone struck a residential building in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. In Russia, a civilian was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on a car in the Bryansk border region, as confirmed by regional governor Alexander Bogomaz.
