In full: Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses Munich Security Conference

Key Concepts

• Pearl: A US program facilitating the procurement of Patriot missiles and other weaponry for Ukraine.
• Glide Bombs: Russian guided aerial bombs, increasingly used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
• Shahed Drones: Iranian-made drones used extensively by Russia in attacks on Ukraine, evolving in capability.
• Ramstein Format: A US-led international group coordinating military aid to Ukraine.
• Energy Infrastructure Attacks: Russia’s systematic targeting of Ukrainian power plants and energy facilities.
• Security Guarantees: Ukraine’s demand for firm commitments from allies to ensure long-term security.
• Russian Losses: High casualty rates of Russian forces, particularly in the Donetsk region.
• European Tanker Sanctions: Calls for stricter measures to disrupt Russian oil revenue streams.
• Joint Production: Increasing collaboration between Ukraine and its partners in weapons manufacturing.

Ukraine’s Plea for Sustained Support at the Munich Security Conference

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark address at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the urgent need for continued and intensified support from international allies. His speech, delivered amidst ongoing Russian attacks, centered on the critical state of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, the evolving nature of the war, and the necessity for long-term security guarantees.

The Immediate Crisis: Air Defense and Ammunition Shortages

Zelenskyy began by expressing gratitude to key allies – Germany, the US, and other European nations – for their support, specifically highlighting the importance of the “Pearl” program. Pearl, a US initiative, enables Ukraine to acquire vital air defense systems like Patriot missiles, crucial for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. He underscored that Europe effectively funds Ukraine’s ability to defend against these attacks. However, he painted a grim picture of the current situation, stating that air defense units are frequently “empty” after repelling Russian strikes, with no immediate resupply. He described a scenario where intelligence predicts massive attacks within days, and the delivery of new missiles is often delayed until the “last very last moment.” He specifically thanked Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands for their leadership in providing air defense systems, emphasizing their life-saving impact. He noted that Ukraine has endured 1,451 days of full-scale war, exceeding initial predictions.

The Scale of Russian Attacks and Evolving Warfare

Zelenskyy presented a harrowing overview of the intensity of Russian attacks. He detailed a single night’s assault – 24 ballistic missiles, one air-launched guided missile, and 200 attack drones targeting Kyiv, Nepro, and Odesa. He revealed that in January alone, Ukraine defended against 6,000 attack drones (primarily Shahed drones), over 150 Russian missiles, and more than 5,000 glide bombs. He emphasized the daily reality of these attacks, with massive strikes occurring at least weekly. He highlighted Russia’s focus on targeting power plants, stating that “not a single power plant” in Ukraine remains undamaged. Despite this, Ukraine maintains electricity generation through physical protection of facilities and, crucially, air defense assistance.

Zelenskyy also addressed the evolving nature of warfare, noting that “weapons evolve faster than political decisions.” He explained how Iranian-supplied Shahed drones have become more sophisticated, now equipped with jet engines, capable of varying altitudes, real-time guidance, and even carrying smaller drones (“mother drone for FPVs”). He warned that the longer the war continues, the more dangerous the consequences become, and the more dangerous the evolution of weapons.

Historical Context and the Pace of Support

Zelenskyy criticized the initial approach to the war, referencing Bob Woodward’s reporting on the previous US administration’s strategy. He described a policy of managing the “pace of the war” and seeking a point where Russia could no longer attack, potentially at the cost of Ukraine ceding occupied territories. He quoted former US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who reportedly stated, “We own the clock,” and noted that Jake Sullivan repeatedly learned from this perspective. While grateful for the aid received, Zelenskyy lamented the slow pace of delivery of critical weapons – “months for HIMARS, months for tanks, years for aircraft.” He argued that “in war, the war itself owns time and it uses the time against people.”

Economic Warfare and Disrupting Russian Funding

Zelenskyy called for greater efforts to disrupt Russia’s financial resources. He specifically highlighted the issue of Russian oil tankers operating freely in European waters, describing them as “floating wallets for the Kremlin.” He stated there are over 1,000 such tankers. He discussed recent conversations with President Macron and other leaders about updating European legislation to allow for the detention and blocking of these vessels, mirroring the US approach to shadow-fleet tankers. He asserted that “without all money, Putin would not have money for this war.”

Russian Losses and Ukraine’s Defensive Capacity

Zelenskyy revealed alarming statistics regarding Russian casualties. He claimed that in December, Ukrainian forces eliminated 35,000 Russian soldiers, and in January, approximately 30,000. He stated that the cost for Russia is 156 soldiers per kilometer of occupied Ukrainian land in the Donetsk region. He noted Russia is mobilizing around 40,000 people monthly, but the overall size of the Russian contingent in Ukraine is not growing significantly. Ukraine’s goal, he stated, is to eliminate 50,000 Russian soldiers per month.

The Importance of Unity and Joint Production

Zelenskyy emphasized the critical importance of unity among allies, stating that “our unity is the best interceptor against Russia’s aggressive plans.” He highlighted the growing trend of joint weapons production, citing the Danish model of investing in Ukrainian production, joint drone production in Germany, and the joint artillery initiative with the Czech Republic. He also acknowledged support from Nordic countries, the UK, France, Italy, Poland, Japan, and the recent 90 billion euro financial aid package from Europe.

The Broader Geopolitical Implications and Iran

Zelenskyy broadened the scope of the discussion to include Iran, noting that despite having no conflict with the Iranian regime, Iranian Shahed drones are killing Ukrainians and destroying infrastructure. He argued that Iran poses a significant threat and called for the same swift and decisive action against Iran as was needed against Russia, referencing past failures to address the actions of the Ayatollah. He urged the world to provide Iran with the same “unity, determination, and speed” that Ukraine received in February 2024.

Security Guarantees and Future Prospects

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s demand for robust security guarantees, stating that these guarantees should precede any agreement to end the war. He expressed hope that President Trump and the US Congress would heed this call. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready for a deal that brings “real peace” and “dignity,” and has provided its partners with a comprehensive outline of what such a deal should include. He warned against repeating the mistakes of 1938, when the appeasement of Hitler was based on the false premise that sacrificing Czechoslovakia would save Europe.

A Call for Proactive Action and a New Security Architecture

Zelenskyy concluded with a powerful call for proactive action, arguing that Russia must not be rewarded for its aggression. He emphasized that Russia responds to strength and that a stronger Ukraine is essential for European security. He advocated for a joint European defense policy and a stronger NATO, arguing that the Ukrainian army is the strongest in Europe and should not be kept outside the alliance. He envisioned a new security architecture where Ukraine’s expertise in drone defense and its overall defensive capabilities contribute to the security of all European nations.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Zelenskyy’s address was a compelling plea for sustained and intensified support for Ukraine. He presented a stark picture of the ongoing conflict, highlighting the urgent need for air defense, ammunition, and economic pressure on Russia. He underscored the importance of unity among allies, the evolving nature of warfare, and the necessity for long-term security guarantees. His message was clear: Ukraine is not just fighting for its own survival, but for the security of Europe and the principles of international order. He urged the international community to learn from past mistakes and to act decisively to prevent further aggression and ensure a lasting peace.