External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC 2025) in Munich, engaging in discussions about the ongoing efforts for conflict resolution and the advancement of bilateral ties between India and Ukraine.

The Munich Security Conference (MSC), one of the most critical global forums on security and defence, has seen significant diplomatic engagements this year, with the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war remaining a central topic.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared details about the discussions, stating, "Good to meet FM Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine on the sidelines of MSC 2025 today. Discussed ongoing efforts towards the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Also spoke about further advancement of our bilateral cooperation."

This meeting comes as Ukraine continues to seek international support amid its prolonged conflict with Russia, with the war showing no signs of an immediate resolution.

Zelenskyy Seeks Security Guarantees from the US

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, where he stressed the urgent need for security guarantees from the United States before engaging in peace talks with Russia.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine requires concrete security assurances to ensure the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity before any diplomatic negotiations can take place.

"My country wants security guarantees before any talks to end the Ukraine-Russia war," he said during his meeting with Vance.

Despite Ukraine's long-standing request for NATO membership, the United States has ruled out this possibility for the foreseeable future, leaving Zelenskyy in search of alternative security arrangements.

Europe’s Plan to Deploy Troops in Ukraine for Post-War Security

In a significant development, European countries have been quietly working on a security plan that involves sending troops to Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached. The initiative, led by Britain and France, aims to ensure long-term security stability in Ukraine after the war.

European nations have grown increasingly concerned about shifting US priorities, fearing that Washington's focus on other global security issues could leave Ukraine vulnerable.

Reports indicate that European leaders are discussing the formation of a post-war security force to prevent any resurgence of conflict and enforce peace terms. However, details about the composition, role, and operational mandate of the force remain unclear.

The discussions gained momentum in December 2024, after Donald Trump won the US presidential election, but before he took office. European leaders and top officials held confidential talks with Zelenskyy at NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s residence in Brussels, exploring potential security measures for Ukraine in a post-war scenario.

The participating countries included Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland, along with top European Union officials.

The idea of a European-led security force in Ukraine was initially proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron in early 2024, but at the time, it faced resistance from Germany and Poland, who ruled out the possibility of sending troops on the ground. However, in recent months, Macron’s proposal has gained traction, with growing concerns about Russia’s long-term military ambitions.

UK and France at the Forefront of the European Security Plan

While no official details have been disclosed, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hinted at the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s security, stating:

"I won't get into the particular capabilities, but I do accept that if there is peace, then there needs to be some sort of security guarantee for Ukraine, and the UK will play its part in that."

Britain and France have been at the forefront of military aid to Ukraine, supplying advanced weapons, intelligence support, and training Ukrainian forces. The new plan would mark a significant shift in Europe’s direct military involvement in Ukraine’s security affairs.

Will the US Play a Role in Ukraine’s Post-War Security?

One of the biggest unanswered questions in Europe’s evolving security strategy for Ukraine is the potential role of the United States.

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, European leaders fear that he might seek a direct deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, bypassing both Ukraine and NATO allies. This concern has accelerated Europe’s efforts to create a more independent security framework for Ukraine.

The US remains Ukraine’s largest supplier of military aid, but the uncertainty surrounding America’s future commitments under Trump’s leadership has made European nations more determined to take a greater leadership role in securing Ukraine's future.

What Lies Ahead for Ukraine’s Security?

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Ukraine’s security situation remains fragile, with multiple factors influencing its post-war stability:

• European countries are exploring a military security force to ensure Ukraine's defence after peace is reached.
• Zelenskyy is pushing for guarantees from the US, but Washington remains hesitant about NATO membership.
• The role of the United States in Ukraine’s long-term security remains uncertain, particularly under the Trump administration.

Conclusion

As the Munich Security Conference 2025 unfolds, global leaders continue to deliberate on the future of Ukraine’s security and post-war stability. Jaishankar’s meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha highlights India’s diplomatic engagement in global security affairs, even as Ukraine seeks security guarantees from the US.

Meanwhile, European nations are actively shaping a security framework for Ukraine, wary of potential shifts in US foreign policy under Trump’s presidency. Britain and France are spearheading efforts to establish a European security force, ensuring that Ukraine is not left vulnerable once peace negotiations take shape.

The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will determine whether Ukraine secures the necessary guarantees to achieve a stable and lasting peace. The world watches closely as diplomatic manoeuvres continue in Munich and beyond.

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