Zelensky Warns: No ‘Munich 1938’ Again

Addressing the Munich Security Conference (MSC), President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered one of the forum’s most striking warnings, drawing a historical parallel between Russia’s actions and Europe’s failed appeasement before World War II.

“Putin hopes to repeat Munich — not Munich 2007, when they only spoke about dividing Europe, but Munich 1938, when the previous Putin began dividing Europe in reality,” Zelensky said.

The reference to the 1938 agreement, widely seen as enabling Nazi Germany’s territorial expansion, underscored Kyiv’s fear that pressured concessions could embolden Moscow and destabilize Europe further.

Ukraine “Ready for a Deal” But Not at Any Cost

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine remains prepared for negotiations, provided they deliver meaningful and lasting peace.

“Ukraine is ready for a deal—one that brings real peace to Ukraine and to Europe,” he said. “I am confident that this war can be ended, and ended with dignity.”

However, he criticized ongoing discussions that focus disproportionately on what Ukraine should concede. “The Americans often return to the topic of concessions. And too often, those concessions are discussed only in the context of what Ukraine should give—not Russia,” he said.

He also voiced concern that Europe is “practically not present at the table,” calling it “a big mistake” and urging greater European involvement in diplomatic efforts.

Elections Under Fire: “Give Us a Ceasefire”

Responding sarcastically to comparisons with U.S. elections during the Civil War under Abraham Lincoln, Zelensky rejected calls for wartime elections in Ukraine.

“They say they had elections during the Civil War with Lincoln. How can we compare that to us?” he said. “Our people are under missiles; it is not just a land war. We are under ballistic attacks. Give us a ceasefire.”

In a pointed remark, he added: “We can also give a ceasefire for Russians if they will do elections in Russia.”

Free Economic Zone Proposal

Zelensky confirmed that the American side had proposed the creation of a free economic zone in contested territory.

“The American side proposed a free economic zone. We said we are ready to look at such proposals,” he said, but firmly rejected any withdrawal from Ukrainian land.

“It is our territory. It has to remain our territory. We cannot just withdraw. There are 200,000 Ukrainians living there. It is our land. We cannot simply run away,” he said.

While open to discussing economic mechanisms as part of reconstruction and compromise, Zelensky questioned Moscow’s willingness to reciprocate. “We are ready to take steps. The question is: what are the Russians ready to do? We do not hear any compromises from the Russian side.”

Pressure From Washington and the “Terminator” Remark

Asked whether he feels pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky replied candidly: “A little bit.”

He also pushed back against the notion that Ukraine can indefinitely shield Europe from Russian aggression.

“It is wrong to assume that this is a permanent arrangement, that others can stay safe behind Ukraine forever. Ukrainians are people, not Terminators,” he said.

Hope and Skepticism Ahead of Talks

Looking ahead to planned trilateral meetings next week, Zelensky said Kyiv hopes discussions will be “serious and substantive.”

But he admitted frustration: “Honestly, sometimes it feels like the sides are talking about completely different things.”

His remarks reflected both openness to diplomacy and deep concern that peace efforts could drift toward compromise without accountability a scenario Kyiv argues Europe cannot afford to repeat.