Ukraine As the war in Ukraine grinds into its third year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning: Europe alone cannot guarantee Ukraine’s security without the United States. In a candid interview with The Guardian ahead of the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy outlined his concerns about US disengagement—particularly under Donald Trump—and unveiled a strategic pitch to keep American support alive.
The American Pillar of Security
“There are voices that say that Europe could offer security guarantees without the Americans, and I always say no,” Zelenskyy stated. “Security guarantees without America are not real security guarantees.”
Zelenskyy’s message is clear: Europe cannot fill the gap if the US pulls back its military, economic, and political support. His comments come as the Biden era gives way to a new Trump presidency, which many in Kyiv fear may signal a drastic shift in foreign policy—potentially one more favorable to Russia.
Appealing to Trump’s Business Mindset
In an effort to bring Trump and his allies onside, Zelenskyy is offering lucrative incentives to US firms: contracts for post-war reconstruction and investment access to Ukraine’s rich natural resources, particularly rare earth minerals, uranium, and titanium. These proposals aim to present Ukraine not just as a security ally but also as a valuable economic partner.
“Those who are helping us to save Ukraine will [have the chance to] renovate it, with their businesses together with Ukrainian businesses,” Zelenskyy explained, signaling that Ukraine is ready to open up sectors for American investment—especially in critical materials that Trump has frequently mentioned.
Rare Earths and Reconstruction: Ukraine’s Strategic Bait
Ukraine holds some of the largest uranium and titanium reserves in Europe, assets that Zelenskyy argues should not fall into Russian hands, where they might be shared with adversaries like China or North Korea. Trump has reportedly shown interest in this pitch, even sending US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine for further discussions.
Zelenskyy emphasized, “We are talking not only about security, but also about money… Valuable natural resources where we can offer our partners possibilities that didn’t exist before.”
Diplomatic Tightrope and Trump Tensions
Zelenskyy is navigating a sensitive diplomatic path. With a potential Trump meeting still unconfirmed, he plans to meet Trump-aligned figures at the Munich Security Conference, including Vice President JD Vance—an outspoken critic of US support for Ukraine. Last year, Vance refused to meet Zelenskyy and questioned America’s stake in the conflict.
Although a direct meeting with Trump remains tentative, Zelenskyy is hopeful: “We are hoping that our teams will fix a date and a plan of meetings in the US… I am ready.”
Peacekeeping, Security, and Strategic Offers
On peacekeeping, Zelenskyy responded cautiously to proposals from European leaders, like Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine post-ceasefire. He warned that only a large-scale European deployment (100,000–150,000 troops) would make a difference—though even this wouldn’t match Russia’s military might. Without America, he reiterated, any such mission would be insufficient.
“I will be open with you; I don’t think that UN troops or anything similar has ever really helped anyone in history,” he said.
A Possible Territory Swap with Russia?
Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukraine could consider a territory exchange in future negotiations. He cited land in Russia’s Kursk region, captured during a surprise Ukrainian offensive six months ago, as a bargaining chip. However, he declined to specify which Russian-held territory Ukraine might demand in return.
“All our territories are important, there is no priority,” he added.
Reflections on Biden and Uncertain Legacy
Zelenskyy was diplomatic but critical when asked about President Biden’s legacy. While he credited the US for eventual support, he criticized the slow initial response and arms hesitancy. “This lack of confidence gave confidence to Russia,” he remarked.
Still, he withheld final judgment: “History shows that there are many things that you just don’t know, what happened behind the scenes… Later we will know everything.”
