Ukraine Ready for ‘Real Peace’ Deal, Zelensky Urges Stronger European Role in Talks

Kyiv, Feb 2026 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated that Ukraine is open to a negotiated settlement that can deliver lasting and meaningful peace, stressing that any resolution must be rooted in dignity and fairness. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Zelensky said Ukraine’s objective is not merely to end the conflict, but to secure a peace that safeguards the country’s sovereignty and the broader stability of Europe.

Addressing global leaders and security experts, Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared for an agreement that brings “real peace” not only for Ukrainians but also for Europe as a whole. He emphasized that dignity must remain central to any settlement, calling it the most critical element in resolving the crisis. According to him, peace without respect for Ukraine’s independence and the sacrifices of its people would be unacceptable.

The Ukrainian leader also expressed concern over Europe’s limited presence at the negotiating table, calling it a “big mistake.” He argued that decisions affecting the continent’s security architecture should not be made without meaningful European participation. Zelensky said Kyiv is actively working to ensure that Europe is fully engaged in the negotiation process so that European interests and perspectives are properly reflected.

Zelensky added that Ukraine is maintaining close and continuous communication with representatives of the United States, underlining Washington’s key role in diplomatic efforts. He said Kyiv would do everything possible to ensure that negotiations, whenever they take place, are constructive and successful.

Meanwhile, Russia has signaled that it too remains open to a negotiated solution. Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is prepared to pursue a settlement based on understandings reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. Lavrov referred to their meeting held last year in Anchorage, noting that Russia remains committed to the outcomes discussed at that time.

Lavrov stressed that Russia expects its national interests to be fully considered in any future agreements and said Moscow is open to honest and direct dialogue with partners willing to engage constructively. He added that Russia would continue to promote what it describes as a multipolar world order grounded in the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The Russian foreign minister also reiterated Moscow’s opposition to double standards, imposed settlement formulas, and what it terms hegemonic or neocolonial practices. He said Russia would focus on strengthening strategic partnerships with emerging global powers and work with like-minded nations to develop sanctions-resistant mechanisms for trade, investment, and financial cooperation.

As diplomatic efforts continue on multiple fronts, the contrasting yet parallel statements from Kyiv and Moscow highlight the complexity of the path toward ending the conflict, with questions of dignity, representation, and global power balance remaining at the center of the debate.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)