'Regardless of Russia's position': Zelenskyy names key condition for peace
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukraine believes that security guarantees must become a key element of any agreements to end the war, and they should be signed before any other documents.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this while speaking with journalists.
According to the head of state, signing security guarantees would serve as a signal of trust in partners and create a foundation for further political decisions.
"I would very much like us to first sign security guarantees and then sign other documents. This is not only a matter of justice, but also of trust," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He noted that Russia is likely not interested in Ukraine concluding separate security agreements with the US, but this will not affect Kyiv's position.
"I don't think the 'russkiye' really want us to sign anything with the US. But we are not discussing that. That is how it will be. Regardless of whether someone likes it or not. Ukraine will receive security guarantees. Without security guarantees, there can be no end to the war," Zelenskyy said.
Security guarantees
Zelenskyy told journalists that during a meeting with US President Donald Trump, the parties discussed security guarantees for Ukraine. According to him, the main agreements have already been prepared, and it remains only to determine the date and place for signing the relevant agreement.
At the same time, media reports have suggested that the Trump administration allegedly links the provision of security guarantees to concessions by Ukraine on territorial issues, in particular regarding Donbas. The White House denied these claims, stating that Kyiv is not being forced into any concessions.
At the end of January, the first trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia took place in Abu Dhabi. The American side assessed them positively, while the Ukrainian side described them as substantive. The next meeting of the delegations, scheduled for February 1, was postponed.
On February 5, another round of talks was held in Abu Dhabi, after which the parties published a joint communiqué, describing the discussions as constructive. The participants focused on issues related to implementing a ceasefire, monitoring the cessation of hostilities, and agreed on another prisoner exchange.
In addition, the delegations separately considered mechanisms for introducing a ceasefire regime.
