EU must act fast on security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Article 5 - European Council chief

"Now is the time to accelerate our practical work to put in place a guarantee similar to NATO's Article 5 with continued United States engagement," Costa said.

He added that Ukrainian forces should serve as the "first line of defense."

Costa emphasized that the main security guarantee, which was the key topic after US President Donald Trump’s talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, should be Ukraine’s armed forces capable of defending its sovereignty.

He also highlighted the need to advance trilateral talks involving Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as Ukraine’s EU membership.

What is known about NATO’s Article 5

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty is a cornerstone of NATO, defining collective defense.

It declares that an armed attack against one or more member states in Europe or North America is considered an attack against all members. Each member is then obliged to assist the attacked country, using measures it deems necessary, including military force.

For the first time in NATO history, the application of Article 5 was requested after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

Security guarantees for Ukraine

Earlier, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine insists on real security guarantees that will work in practice, similar to NATO’s Article 5.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump believes NATO should not be part of Ukraine’s security guarantees.

According to media reports, Trump is ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, but outside the NATO framework.

Trump also said that no US troops will be sent to Ukraine, and that Europe will provide the country’s security guarantees.