Zelenskyy warns peace talks without Ukraine 'dangerous' after Trump claims meetings with Russia 'going well'
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Zelenskyy: Putin Will Target Poland or The Baltics in 2026
Above: Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 14, 2025. Image copyright: Alex Kraus/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleged that Russia is preparing to station 15 divisions — totaling 100K to 150K troops — primarily in Belarus to prepare "for war against NATO countries next year."
Citing intelligence inputs, Zelenskyy said: "They [Russian troops] can simply go on the offensive into Ukraine, just like they went in 2022… or they will go to Poland or the Baltic countries." He added that "security guarantees" for Ukraine can stop Putin.
Additionally, he said he was "ready for any conversations with America and our allies" and "will be ready to talk with the Russians" once "they provide us with specific answers to specific requests from us" on how to end the three-year war.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine must maintain its sovereignty and independence through military strength and international support, as Russia poses an existential threat not just to Ukraine but to the entire NATO alliance. A peace deal cannot be reached without Ukraine's direct involvement and guarantees for its security.
Pro-Russia narrative
The conflict needs to end through diplomatic negotiations, as the current situation is causing unprecedented casualties. Ukraine's NATO membership would serve as a major provocation, and territorial compromises may be necessary to achieve peace and stability in the region.