Munich Security Conference, Ceasefire Talks, and Ukraine’s Next Steps—A Breakdown of the Latest News

With U.S.-Russia talks looming, Zelenskyy secures regional support on a Middle East tour while being excluded from negotiations. In Paris, Macron pushes for Europe’s role in the process, as the UK signals openness to peacekeepers. As alliances shift and backroom deals take shape, UNITED24 Media breaks down the latest developments.

• February 15

Zelenskyy delays rare earth deal with U.S.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has postponed signing a rare earth minerals agreement with the U.S., citing the need for stronger investment commitments and profit distribution mechanisms. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, he stressed that the deal must also include security guarantees before moving forward.

• February 16

Zelenskyy is visiting Saudi Arabia and Turkey but has not been invited to attend Russian-U.S. talks

Zelenskyy, who arrived in the United Arab Emirates on February 16, said he also intended to visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey. No dates were set. Zelenskyy is on a diplomatic tour in the Middle East, focusing on humanitarian aid, economic ties, and securing support for Ukraine amid peace talks.

Mykhaylo Podolyak stated, “There are no negotiators who will represent Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.” Zelenskyy previously said he would not negotiate before consulting allies, including European leaders.

“I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never,” Zelenskyy told NBC’s Kristen Welker on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Zelenskyy visits UAE to secure prisoner releases, investments, and humanitarian aid

Zelenskyy arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an official visit. The primary objectives include facilitating the return of Ukrainian prisoners, enhancing investment opportunities, and launching a significant humanitarian program. This includes efforts to secure the release of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly taken to Russia and Belarus

Europe will not be part of Ukraine Peace Talks, U.S. envoy says

Europe won’t have a seat at the table for Ukraine peace talks, Donald Trump’s Ukraine envoy said on February 15, after Washington sent a questionnaire to European capitals to ask what they could contribute to security guarantees for Kyiv.

Ukraine excluded from U.S.-Russia talks, but separate meetings planned, U.S. officials say

Two U.S. officials confirmed Ukraine’s exclusion but said Washington plans separate talks with Russia and Ukraine before joint discussions.

Zelenskyy urges the creation of an “Army of Europe”

President Zelenskyy called for a European army, warning that U.S support is fading. At the Munich Security Conference, he cited U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s claim that Europe’s reliance on America is ending.

He also rejected backroom deals after Trump and Putin agreed to peace talks. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russia’s foreign minister following Trump’s call with Putin.

European countries will not create one united army, says Poland’s Sikorski

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that European countries will not form a unified army in response to threats from Russia.

He emphasized that while the EU is strengthening its defense capabilities, including a reinforced brigade, the unification of national armies will not happen. This comes after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for a European army to ensure protection amid doubts about U.S. support.

• February 17

Macron hosts Paris Summit urging U.S. to include Europe and Kyiv in Peace Talks

Macron hosts Paris summit urging the U.S to include Europe and Kyiv in peace talks. The U.S.-Russia discussions precede a key meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, marking the first such talks in over two years.

European leaders fear the talks may impose Ukrainian neutrality and a U.S.-Russia division of influence. The summit will also discuss a U.S. request for a stabilization force if a peace occurs. Attendees include Scholz, Tusk, Rutte, Meloni, von der Leyen, and Costa.

UK is ready and willing to deploy Peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, says Keir Starmer

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed willingness to deploy British troops to Ukraine for a potential peace deal. This is the first time he acknowledged the possibility of British forces joining a European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, ahead of a critical meeting in Paris hosted by French President Macron.

Zelenskyy calls for Special European Representative in Ukraine Peace Talks

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the need for a European special representative in negotiations for a peace in Ukraine. Speaking to the press, he emphasized that Europe must also help shape security guarantees and support mechanisms.

• February 18

U.S. delegation to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia

A delegation from the United States, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on February 18. A meeting between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump who are not present in Saudi Arabia, is on the cards in the near future.

The meeting follows a phone call between Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. Details of who will be present from the Russian delegation remain unclear. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will likely be present.

• February 20

Zelenskyy to meet Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv

President Zelenskyy announced that U.S. President Donald Trump’s special representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will visit Kyiv on February 20. He and Kellogg will meet with Armed Forces chief General Syrsky, brigade commanders, and possibly Ukrainian intelligence and defense officials.

This is a shifting story, we will be updating as more details emerge.