Reuters reveals details of US request for Ukraine security guarantees

A representative of the US State Department said that Washington has made it clear that they expect European partners to take a leading role in creating a strong security system and are currently awaiting their proposals.

Reuters has reviewed a document in which the US formulated the following questions to European governments:

• What do you think is a European-backed security guarantee or assurance that would serve as a sufficient deterrent to Russia while ensuring that this conflict ends in a lasting peaceful settlement?

• Which European and/or third countries do you think could or would participate in such an arrangement?

• Are there any countries that you think would be indispensable?

• Would your country be ready to deploy its troops to Ukraine as part of a peaceful settlement?

• If a third-country military force were to be deployed in Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, what would you consider the necessary size of such a European-led force?

• How and where would these forces be deployed and for how long?

• What actions should the United States, allies, and partners be prepared to take if Russia attacks these forces?

• What kind of U.S. support would the government consider necessary to participate in such security arrangements?

• What short- and long-term resources would be required from the United States?

• What additional capabilities, equipment, and maintenance options would your government be willing to provide to Ukraine to strengthen its negotiating position and pressure on Russia?

• What else is your government prepared to do to strengthen sanctions against Russia, including stricter enforcement and restrictions on third countries that facilitate sanctions circumvention?

Yesterday The Guardian wrote that The United States has sent a diplomatic demarche to European countries asking for possible security guarantees for Ukraine.

Security guarantees for Ukraine

Ukraine views NATO membership as a key mechanism for preventing future Russian aggression. At the same time, the Alliance is currently confirming that Ukraine's accession may take place in the future.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that in case if Ukraine is not accepted into NATO, an alternative option has already been prepared. The so-called "Plan B" envisages doubling the number of Ukrainian troops, as well as expanding financial and military support from Western partners.

Earlier, US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg said that Donald Trump will present a "peace plan."