Zelenskyy Highlights Age Difference with Putin, Links Elections to Security Guarantees

Munich, Germany – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, emphasized his age advantage over Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating he is “younger” and that Putin “doesn’t have much time.” Zelenskyy, 48, contrasted his openness to dialogue with Putin, 73, asserting his willingness to engage without fear.

“I think Putin is also in a difficult position, because I can talk to you, shake hands, I’m not afraid, I desire to be free… I’m here, I’m a free man. And I’m younger than Putin. Trust me, this is important. He doesn’t have much time. Thank God, not very much time,” Zelenskyy said, according to reports.

Elections Contingent on Security, Zelenskyy States

Addressing the possibility of holding elections in Ukraine during the ongoing war, Zelenskyy indicated that a significant majority – 90% – of Ukrainians oppose the idea. “90% of Ukrainians are against elections now. If anyone is interested in what Ukrainians think,” he stated.

He proposed a conditional path to elections, linking it to a ceasefire secured through the intervention of former U.S. President Donald Trump. “If President Trump gives me, by pressing Putin, a ceasefire for 2-3 months, we will hold elections,” Zelenskyy promised.

Trump’s Role in a Potential Ceasefire

Zelenskyy outlined three steps he believes Trump should take to pressure Putin: providing Ukraine with strong security guarantees, a substantial recovery package, and directly urging Putin to “stop where you are now.”

“But if Putin says no, Trump should give us everything we need to save ourselves and protect ourselves and stay strong. But I believe that we should end the war, not continue to fight,” Zelenskyy added.

Distrust Stemming from Budapest Memorandum

Zelenskyy referenced the failed Budapest Memorandum as a source of Ukrainian distrust in security guarantees. He explained that Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons and other military assets based on promises of sovereignty and independence, promises that were ultimately broken by Russia’s actions.

“They (Ukrainians – ed.) don’t trust anyone, because we had the Budapest Memorandum, we gave away nuclear weapons and other weapons, a lot of planes… We gave it away and received security guarantees that we will have sovereignty and independence. We don’t have those weapons and we don’t have security guarantees, because Russia came, and no one attacked Russia, no one saved our independence. It’s true. That’s why people don’t trust, because they are realistic,” Zelenskyy said.

He clarified that security guarantees for Ukraine are a priority, but not at the expense of territorial integrity. “This does not mean that we will give up our territories, these are different issues.”