Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently described the U.S. commitment to supporting post-war security guarantees for Ukraine as “historic.” He emphasized that these guarantees must be real, practical, and include protection on land, at sea, and in the air—with Europe playing a central role.
The announcement came after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff discussed ongoing talks, comparing the potential framework to NATO’s Article 5, which treats an attack on one ally as an attack on all. According to Witkoff, the U.S. and European nations are ready to consider similar language to reassure Ukraine of its future security.
Zelensky, however, rejected the idea of ceding territory to Russia, calling it unacceptable. While Ukraine has signaled openness to negotiations, any deal would only recognize territory already under Russian occupation—not further concessions. He also said that the sensitive issue of borders should only be discussed directly between himself and Vladimir Putin, ideally with the U.S. present as a third party.
Other European leaders also weighed in. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron both supported the idea of a long-term reassurance force once active hostilities come to an end. At the same time, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that while progress is being made, realistic negotiations must take place, likely starting from the current front lines.
For now, Zelensky is holding firm that Ukraine will not formally give up land, even though Russia has shown little willingness to enter into meaningful trilateral talks. If Moscow continues to refuse, he warned, tougher sanctions should follow.
0 Comments