An Interview with Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine : Aura Solution Company Limited

Podcast Special – Munich Security Conference 2026

Location - Munich Security Conference

Host - Amy Brown, Wealth Manager, Aura Solution Company Limited

Guest - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Host Introduction – Amy Brown

Today’s special broadcast comes from the global stage of the Munich Security Conference, where diplomacy, defense, and economic strategy intersect at the highest level.Leading this conversation is Amy Brown, Wealth Manager at Aura Solution Company Limited. Amy is widely respected for her expertise in cross-border financial strategy, sovereign advisory, and high-level economic diplomacy. At Aura, she works closely with governments, institutions, and international stakeholders to navigate complex financial systems during periods of geopolitical transformation.

Her work sits at the intersection of capital and stability—understanding that sustainable peace is not built solely on ceasefires, but on economic resilience, reconstruction planning, security guarantees, and long-term institutional strength.

With a calm yet incisive interviewing style, Amy bridges finance and foreign policy. She explores not only battlefield realities but also the economic architecture required to secure peace, rebuild nations, and restore investor confidence.

Her presence at Munich reflects Aura’s commitment to participating in global conversations that shape sovereignty, security, and economic recovery in a rapidly shifting world order.

Guest Introduction – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Our distinguished guest is Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.

Since assuming office in 2019, President Zelenskyy has led Ukraine through one of the most defining conflicts in modern European history. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, he emerged as a central figure in global diplomacy—mobilizing Western alliances, strengthening NATO coordination, and advocating relentlessly for Ukraine’s sovereignty and European future.

As Ukraine approaches the fourth anniversary of the invasion, the nation continues to endure sustained missile and drone attacks, particularly targeting critical infrastructure and energy systems. Yet Ukraine remains resilient.

At this year’s Munich Security Conference, President Zelenskyy delivered a powerful and uncompromising address. He described Vladimir Putin as a “slave to war,” warned Europe against accepting any “half-baked” peace settlement, and called for stronger, faster military support—particularly air defense systems to protect civilians during the winter months.

He has also emphasized the need for long-term security guarantees—calling for at least 20 years of firm commitments before any lasting peace agreement can be signed with dignity. Simultaneously, he seeks a clear timeline for Ukraine’s European Union membership and continues navigating complex US-brokered diplomatic talks.

President Zelenskyy stands today balancing three fronts:

• The battlefield

• International negotiations

• Long-term reconstruction and economic modernization

1.Amy: Mr. President, in Munich you called Vladimir Putin a “slave to war.” Why?

Zelenskyy:When I used that phrase, I chose it carefully. Over the past years, we have observed that the Kremlin’s political system is sustained by confrontation. External enemies are used to justify internal control. War becomes a mechanism to consolidate authority, silence opposition voices, and redirect public frustration outward.

In such a system, peace can be destabilizing for the leadership. Peace demands transparency, economic reform, and political accountability. War allows centralization of power and the suspension of normal political debate.

So when I say he is a “slave to war,” I mean that conflict has become a structural pillar of his governance. It is not simply a military decision—it is tied to the survival of his political model. Ending the war would require transformation, and transformation is often more difficult than escalation.

2.Amy: You said every Ukrainian power plant has been damaged. Is energy now the frontline?

Zelenskyy:Yes, very clearly. Modern warfare extends beyond traditional battlefields. It targets civilian resilience. Energy infrastructure—power stations, substations, transmission lines, heating systems—has become a central target.

During winter, electricity is not a luxury. It means heating for homes, functioning hospitals, water supply systems, communication networks. When missiles strike power plants, the objective is not military gain alone—it is psychological warfare. Darkness and cold are meant to weaken morale.

Defending energy infrastructure has therefore become strategic. We disperse generation capacity, build mobile power systems, strengthen air defense around critical facilities, and coordinate emergency repair teams. Energy resilience is now as important as territorial defense because it preserves civilian life and national stability.

3. Amy: In January alone, 6,000 drones were launched. What does that tell us?

Zelenskyy:It tells us that Russia has adopted a strategy of saturation and exhaustion. Thousands of drones are not launched to achieve one decisive breakthrough. They are launched to stretch air defenses, to force constant alert, to exhaust ammunition supplies, and to create psychological strain.

These drones often target residential buildings, warehouses, energy sites, and urban centers. The objective is cumulative disruption. Even when most are intercepted, each attack forces resources, repairs, and civilian displacement.

This is warfare designed not only to damage infrastructure but to test endurance. It is meant to create fatigue—military, economic, and emotional. That is why consistent support and steady defense supplies are so important.

4.Amy: NATO reports heavy Russian troop losses. Is Russia weakening?

Zelenskyy:Russia has experienced substantial casualties. The human cost on their side is significant. However, weakening is not simply a matter of numbers. The Russian leadership has shown willingness to absorb losses while continuing mobilization.

They still have demographic depth and industrial capacity, even if strained. The question is sustainability—economic pressure, sanctions enforcement, and battlefield effectiveness over time.

Russia is not advancing rapidly or decisively, but it is also not collapsing. The outcome depends on endurance: Ukraine’s resilience and the consistency of international backing. Strategic balance shifts gradually, not suddenly.

5.Amy: What is Ukraine’s greatest need today?

Zelenskyy:Air defense remains our most urgent requirement. Every intercepted missile protects families, hospitals, schools, and power grids. Each successful interception prevents cascading damage—economic, humanitarian, and psychological.

But air defense is not only about systems; it is about reliability of supply. Interceptor missiles must be replenished consistently. Delays create vulnerability windows. Planning defense requires predictability.

When support arrives steadily, it strengthens deterrence. When it arrives at the last moment, it increases risk. So our greatest need is not only equipment—it is sustained commitment and coordination.

Air defense saves lives today and preserves stability for tomorrow.

6. Are weapons still arriving at the last moment?

Zelenskyy:Too often, yes. We are sincerely grateful for every package of assistance, every system delivered, and every decision made in support of Ukraine. But modern warfare requires precision planning months in advance. Defense operations are not improvised week to week. When weapons arrive at the last possible moment, commanders must adjust rapidly, sometimes under active threat.Unpredictable delivery schedules limit operational flexibility. They can delay counteroffensives, complicate defensive preparations, and increase risks for our soldiers. A steady and reliable supply chain is not a luxury — it is a strategic necessity. Predictability saves lives.

7. Why insist on 20-year US security guarantees?

Zelenskyy:Because history has taught us painful lessons. Short-term assurances tied to political cycles do not create lasting deterrence. Security guarantees must extend beyond individual administrations or electoral shifts.A 20-year framework signals seriousness. It tells any potential aggressor that support for Ukraine is not temporary or symbolic, but structural and durable. Deterrence works when commitments are credible and long-term. If Moscow understands that Ukraine will remain supported for decades, escalation becomes strategically irrational.

8. Without guarantees, no deal?

Zelenskyy:Without credible security guarantees, there can be no dignified or sustainable deal. A ceasefire alone freezes positions — it does not resolve the conflict. Frozen conflicts often become delayed wars.Peace must be constructed carefully, with mechanisms that prevent renewed aggression. Otherwise, we risk creating an unstable pause that allows rearmament and future escalation. Ukraine cannot accept an illusion of peace; we need a structure that ensures it.

9. Are you optimistic about upcoming talks?

Zelenskyy:Optimism depends entirely on seriousness. If talks are symbolic or designed merely to create headlines, they will fail.

Real negotiations must address three pillars:

1. Security guarantees

2. Territorial integrity

3. Long-term stability

If discussions are balanced, detailed, and aimed at structural solutions rather than temporary quiet, then progress is possible. But realism must guide expectations.

10. What is the danger of a “half-baked” agreement?

Zelenskyy:A weak agreement is dangerous because it creates the illusion of resolution while leaving the root causes intact.If aggression is not deterred, the aggressor simply waits, regroups, and tries again. Such agreements can be more destabilizing than open conflict because they reduce vigilance while failing to remove the threat.

Peace must eliminate incentives for renewed aggression — otherwise it becomes a strategic pause, not a settlement.

11. Are territorial concessions acceptable?

Zelenskyy:Aggression must never be rewarded. If borders can be changed by force, the entire international order becomes unstable.This is not only about Ukraine. It concerns every sovereign state. International law and global stability depend on the principle that territorial integrity cannot be violated without consequence.

If that principle collapses, the world becomes far less secure.

12. On elections during wartime?

Zelenskyy : Our constitution clearly prohibits national elections under martial law. Beyond the legal aspect, the practical reality makes free and fair elections impossible during active war.Millions are displaced. Soldiers are on the front lines. Infrastructure is under threat. Proper campaigning, transparent monitoring, and voter safety cannot be guaranteed.

Democracy requires conditions of security and fairness. Without those conditions, legitimacy is compromised.

13. Would a ceasefire enable elections?

Zelenskyy : If a genuine ceasefire ensures sustained security and stability for a defined period, then yes, elections could be organized.

Security must come first. Citizens must be able to vote without fear of missile attacks or military disruption. Democracy must operate under safe and normal conditions. A stable ceasefire could create that environment — but only if it is credible.

14. Has US pressure increased?

Zelenskyy : Our dialogue with the United States is direct and candid. We discuss difficult issues openly. At times, partners apply pressure — this is natural in serious alliances.

But partnership is not only about pressure; it is also about solidarity and mutual respect. Support remains substantial. Even when discussions are tough, they reflect engagement and strategic seriousness.

15. How important are visible alliances?

Zelenskyy : Visible unity is extremely important. Alliances are not only military arrangements; they are political signals.

When leaders stand publicly together, they send a message of resolve. This message is heard in Kyiv, in Moscow, and globally.

Deterrence strengthens when unity is visible. Ambiguity weakens it.

16. Should Europe increase defense autonomy?

Zelenskyy : A stronger Europe strengthens peace. When Europe invests in its own defense capabilities — industrial production, logistics, military readiness — it reduces vulnerabilities.

Defense autonomy does not mean separation from transatlantic partners. It means capability and resilience. A capable Europe is a stronger ally within NATO and a more stable pillar of global security.

17. Could Russia threaten other European states?

Zelenskyy : If aggression succeeds without consequence, it creates precedent. Precedent lowers barriers to future violations.

This is why many neighboring states are concerned. Security must be proactive. Waiting until a threat materializes is far more costly than deterring it early.

18. Is Eastern Europe right to worry?

Zelenskyy : History provides context. Nations that have experienced occupation understand the consequences of complacency.

Their vigilance is not paranoia — it is memory. Historical experience shapes strategic awareness. These countries know that preparedness is essential.

19. Is European rearmament encouraging?

Zelenskyy : Yes. Increased defense budgets, industrial expansion, and coordinated procurement show seriousness.

Preparedness deters aggression. When Europe strengthens its military capabilities, it reduces the likelihood of wider escalation. Strength, when defensive and responsible, contributes to stability.

20. Does Europe need geopolitical independence?

Zelenskyy : Europe must think strategically and act decisively. Geopolitical independence means having the capacity to defend its interests, protect its citizens, and uphold its values without hesitation.

In a rapidly changing global order, strategic clarity is essential. Independence does not mean isolation. It means strength, coordination, and the ability to act when necessary.

21. Amy: Has the UK remained reliable?

Zelenskyy : Yes—consistently. From the earliest days of the full-scale invasion, the United Kingdom provided military assistance, training programs, intelligence cooperation, and political leadership. Reliability in wartime is measured not only in speeches but in sustained action. The UK has shown continuity in support regardless of political transitions, and that consistency strengthens deterrence.

22. Amy: Is NATO strong today?

Zelenskyy : Yes—but strength must endure. NATO today is larger and more unified than before 2022. However, alliances are not static; they require political will, defense investment, and public support. Strength is not only about current capability—it is about ensuring readiness in two, four, or ten years. Deterrence must remain credible long term.

23. Amy: Why push for a firm EU membership date?

Zelenskyy : Because clarity creates confidence. A defined timeline for European Union accession signals that Ukraine belongs to the European political and economic space. It reassures our citizens, strengthens reforms, and sends a message to investors that Ukraine’s future is anchored in European institutions and standards.

24. Amy: Could 2027 be realistic?

Zelenskyy : With commitment and reform momentum, yes. Ukraine has accelerated institutional and legal reforms even during wartime. Membership is not symbolic—it requires structural transformation. If both Ukraine and the EU maintain focus, progress can be faster than many expect.

25. Amy: How is morale in Ukraine?

Zelenskyy : Resilient. Our people did not choose to become symbols of resistance, but circumstances demanded courage. Families rebuild homes, businesses reopen after strikes, and communities support soldiers. Morale is not naïve optimism—it is determination rooted in survival and dignity.

26. Amy: How do civilians endure constant drone attacks?

Zelenskyy : With courage and unity. Air raid sirens have become part of daily life. People adapt—schools operate with shelters, businesses adjust schedules, and neighbors check on one another. The psychological burden is heavy, but solidarity reduces fear. Community strength becomes a form of defense.

27. Amy: What motivates you personally?

Zelenskyy : Our soldiers and families. When I visit the front lines or hospitals, I see sacrifice and responsibility. Leadership is not abstract—it is tied to real lives. That responsibility keeps me focused.

28. Amy: Does winter shift strategy?

Zelenskyy : Yes. Winter intensifies energy warfare. Russia targets heating infrastructure, electricity grids, and fuel supplies, hoping cold temperatures weaken resilience. Defending energy systems becomes as critical as defending territory.

29. Amy: Has Russia achieved major gains?

Zelenskyy : Only very small and extremely costly ones. Progress measured in meters has come at the expense of thousands of lives. Strategic momentum remains contested, not decisive.

30. Amy: Are sanctions working?

Zelenskyy:They are having impact—financial restrictions, technology export bans, and asset freezes strain Russia’s economy. However, enforcement gaps and alternative trade channels reduce effectiveness. Stronger compliance and coordination are necessary.

31. Amy: What role does private finance play in reconstruction?

Zelenskyy:Private finance is essential. Governments provide guarantees and initial stabilization, but long-term rebuilding requires private capital—energy grids, infrastructure, housing, digital transformation. Investment today accelerates recovery tomorrow.

32. Amy: Is financial diplomacy critical?

Zelenskyy:Absolutely. Economic stability reinforces sovereignty. When a country has access to capital markets, diversified trade, and institutional credibility, it is less vulnerable to coercion. Financial diplomacy connects security policy with economic resilience.

33. Amy: How large will reconstruction costs be?

Zelenskyy : Hundreds of billions of dollars. Entire cities, power systems, transport networks, and industrial facilities require rebuilding or modernization. But reconstruction is not simply replacement—it is an opportunity to build smarter and greener infrastructure.

34. Amy: Can Ukraine emerge stronger economically?

Zelenskyy : Yes. Post-war modernization can create a more competitive, digitized, and energy-efficient economy. Integration with European markets and standards will increase transparency and attract investment. Crisis can become transformation.

35. Amy: Which sectors will lead recovery?

Zelenskyy : Energy—especially renewables and grid resilience. Defense technology and manufacturing. Agriculture and food security. Digital industries and IT services, where Ukraine has strong human capital. These sectors can drive rapid growth.

36. Amy: Your message to investors?

Zelenskyy : Ukraine is rebuilding with European standards—transparency, reform, and integration. Investment in Ukraine is not only economic—it contributes to stability in Europe. Opportunities will emerge in infrastructure, technology, and industry.

37. Amy: How might US politics impact support?

Zelenskyy : Support for Ukraine must remain bipartisan. Security assistance should not depend on electoral cycles. Stability in policy strengthens confidence both on the battlefield and in financial markets.

38. Amy: Is Russia winning globally in narrative terms?

Zelenskyy : Propaganda spreads quickly, especially in the digital age. But truth endures when supported by transparency and accountability. Democracies must communicate clearly and consistently to counter misinformation.

39. Amy: Are you open to compromise?

Zelenskyy:Peace requires negotiation, but compromise cannot mean surrender of sovereignty or abandonment of citizens. Justice and security are prerequisites for any lasting settlement. Without them, compromise becomes instability.

40. Amy: Mr. President, what is your absolute red line in any negotiation?

Zelenskyy:Our red line is very clear: sovereignty and security. Ukraine’s independence is not negotiable. We cannot accept any arrangement that leaves our country vulnerable to renewed aggression in two or five years. Sovereignty means full control over our internationally recognized borders, and security means reliable guarantees—military, political, and economic—that deter future invasion. Without both, any agreement would only delay another war.

41. Amy: How long can this war continue?

Zelenskyy:This war continues for one reason—Russia chooses to continue it. Ukraine did not start it, and we do not seek endless conflict. If Russia withdraws and commits to genuine peace, the war can stop quickly. But as long as the Kremlin believes violence achieves political goals, the fighting may persist. The timeline depends less on Ukraine’s endurance and more on Russia’s decision to abandon aggression.

42. Amy: Does President Putin misjudge NATO unity?

Zelenskyy : He has misjudged it before. At the start of the invasion, many expected divisions in NATO. Instead, the alliance expanded and strengthened. When democracies feel threatened, they often respond with greater unity. Underestimating that resolve can be a strategic mistake. Unity is not automatic—it must be maintained—but it has proven stronger than many predicted.

43. Amy: What defines victory for Ukraine?

Zelenskyy : Victory is not only about territory. It is about secure borders and a secure future. It means our children can grow up without sirens and missile alerts. It means integration into European institutions, economic modernization, and strong defense capabilities that prevent future invasions. True victory is lasting peace with dignity—not frozen conflict.

44. Amy: Is Crimea negotiable?

Zelenskyy : Crimea is Ukraine. International law is clear, and the principles that protect all nations depend on respecting borders. If territorial conquest is normalized anywhere, no country is truly safe. This is not only about Ukraine—it is about the global order.

45. Amy: How is technology changing this war?

Zelenskyy : Technology has transformed the battlefield. Drones now shape reconnaissance, logistics, and precision strikes. Artificial intelligence enhances targeting and analysis. Cyber operations run parallel to physical warfare. Smaller, agile systems can offset larger conventional forces. Modern wars are increasingly defined by innovation speed as much as troop numbers.

46. Amy: Can diplomacy succeed without military strength?

Zelenskyy : No. Diplomacy without strength risks becoming pressure on the victim rather than the aggressor. Negotiations are most effective when both sides understand the cost of continued conflict. Defensive capability gives diplomacy credibility. Without it, agreements lack enforcement.

47. Amy: Do you believe President Putin understands strength above all?

Zelenskyy : History suggests that he responds primarily to strength and unity. When he perceives weakness or division, he advances. When he encounters firm resistance, he recalculates. That is why consistent support for Ukraine matters—not only for today’s battlefield, but for tomorrow’s negotiations.

48. Amy: If a ceasefire is achieved, what is your immediate priority?

Zelenskyy : First, protecting our skies—air defense must remain strong even during a ceasefire. Second, rapid reconstruction of critical infrastructure: energy grids, housing, schools, hospitals. Stability must be visible quickly, so citizens regain normal life and investors regain confidence.

49. Amy: What gives you hope during such a prolonged conflict?

Zelenskyy : Democratic unity. The solidarity we have seen—from Europe, North America, and partners worldwide—proves that values still matter. Hope comes from people who stand together when it is difficult. It also comes from the resilience of Ukrainians who rebuild even while fighting continues.

50. Amy: Next week, we will host President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Would you like to deliver a direct message to him?

Zelenskyy : Yes. This war has cost too many lives—Ukrainian and Russian. History will judge decisions made in this moment. Continuing the war will not bring true security or respect; it will only deepen isolation and loss.

If you seek stability for your country, choose peace that respects international law. Ukraine does not seek humiliation of Russia—we seek safety for our people. End the aggression. Stop sacrificing lives for ambition. Real peace is possible, but it requires courage to choose it.

Closing Statement – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukraine did not choose this war, but we have chosen how we respond to it — with resilience, unity, and an unwavering defense of our sovereignty. Our struggle is not only about territory; it is about the principles that protect every nation: that borders cannot be changed by force, that aggression must not be rewarded, and that peace must be built on justice and security, not illusion.

We are grateful to all partners who stand with us. Support for Ukraine is not charity — it is an investment in global stability. When international law is defended here, it is strengthened everywhere.

Peace is possible. But it must be real. It must include credible security guarantees, clear accountability, and long-term stability. A temporary pause in violence is not enough if it leaves the door open for future aggression.

Ukraine seeks a future where our children live without sirens, where reconstruction replaces destruction, and where diplomacy is backed by strength and unity.

The path forward is clear: sovereignty, security, and solidarity.That is how this war must end.

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