In a surprising announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that American, Russian, and Ukrainian officials will hold discussions on the ongoing war in Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference. However, the statement has been met with skepticism, as both Russia and Ukraine have yet to confirm their participation.
“Russia is going to be there with our people,” Trump said during a press briefing. “Ukraine is also invited, by the way, not sure exactly who’s going to be there from any country – but high-level people from Russia, from Ukraine, and from the United States.”
Despite this declaration, Russia has remained silent on the matter, while a senior Ukrainian official dismissed the idea of “talks with Russians in Munich” as “not expected.” This uncertainty follows Trump’s recent phone calls with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he expressed optimism about the possibility of ending the war.
The announcement has caused unease among NATO allies, particularly as Trump suggested that Ukraine joining NATO was not “practical” and that it was “unlikely” for Ukraine to reclaim its pre-2014 borders. His remarks indicate a potential shift in U.S. policy, which could have significant consequences for the future of the conflict.
Zelensky, who is scheduled to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Munich, has insisted that Ukraine will not accept any peace deal negotiated without its involvement. “We cannot accept it, as an independent country,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from the U.S. and its European allies. European leaders have also expressed concerns, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning that any peace deal resembling a “capitulation” would be detrimental to all parties involved. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed these sentiments, stating, “Any quick fix is a dirty deal.”
The intentions behind the U.S. involvement remain uncertain. While Vance may seek to reassure Ukraine of its role in the negotiations, there are growing concerns that Washington is preparing to push Kyiv toward concessions, particularly regarding territorial losses. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently stated that Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO and may have to cede some Russian-occupied territory to end the war, a position that was later partially walked back.
As the conflict approaches its third year, casualties continue to rise, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The outcome of any proposed negotiations could significantly alter the trajectory of the war and shape Ukraine’s future relations with the West.
