Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced discussions with the US regarding security guarantees for Ukraine that would serve as an analogue to NATO’s Article 5. These consultations are key within broader efforts to secure peace in the region.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has aimed to join NATO from the outset, which could guarantee national-level security. However, as the president notes, this aspiration has not received unequivocal support from some US and European partners. Therefore, Kyiv is currently negotiating with Washington for bilateral security guarantees that would resemble NATO’s collective security, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
President Zelensky stressed the importance of legally binding guarantees that would prevent a recurrence of aggression. He emphasized that such guarantees should be supported by the US Congress to gain strength. Kyiv’s proposals also pertain to other international partners, including Canada and Japan.
The background shows that earlier, according to Axios, the Donald Trump administration considered similar guarantees. However, in this peace plan, it was reportedly intended to create a demilitarized zone in Donbas involving Ukrainian forces.
Negotiations between Ukraine and the US are scheduled for December 14 in Berlin, where Ukraine has already sent its latest proposals in the peace plan, awaiting Washington’s response.
| Issue | Ukraine’s Position | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guarantees | NATO Article 5 Model | Need for legally binding commitments |
| US Response | Expected | Talks scheduled in Berlin |
| Partners’ Position | US, Canada, Japan | Support is important |
