**Ukraine’s Zelensky: No Peace Deal without Firm US Support**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on February 14 that his country is not discussing a peace deal with Russia. He made the statement at the Munich Security Conference.
Zelensky said Ukraine needs the support of the United States and a strong President Donald Trump to negotiate a peace agreement. He wants the US to agree on a plan to end the war in Ukraine, which should be supported by both sides.
“A peace deal cannot be signed in Munich because it is Munich,” Zelensky said, referencing the infamous 1938 meeting that allowed Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia.
Zelensky also reiterated the importance of Europe’s role in any potential peace agreement. He said he would only meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin if there was a joint plan with Trump and the EU.
The Ukrainian president expressed frustration at Russia’s actions, saying they have destroyed much and caused many deaths during the three-year war.
“We remember what things were signed here,” Zelensky said. “I do not repeat such things.”
**Ukraine Asks US for Strong Support**
Zelensky emphasized the need for strong support from the United States in any peace negotiations with Russia. He mentioned Trump’s recent calls with Putin and himself, but stressed that a peace deal must be agreed upon by Ukraine and the US.
“It doesn’t matter what country these forces are from,” Zelensky said. “In any case, we need 1.5 million troops if we are not in NATO.”
**Other Developments**
The Kremlin announced on February 13 that Russia has started forming a group to talk with the US about ending the war in Ukraine.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism after suggesting that Ukraine’s return to its pre-war borders was unrealistic.
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of POWs is searching for 36 Ukrainian prisoners of war, who may be held in Chechnya.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed that Russian munitions contained a riot control agent.
A German drone manufacturer plans to double its production in Ukraine.
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