There is progress in negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine - Ukraine's MFA
Photo: Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya (Getty Images)
Ukraine is making progress in negotiations on formalizing legally binding security guarantees with the United States and European allies, states Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya in an interview with Reuters.
"I think that we are making progress," Kyslytsya said. "I think this very intense period of exchange of views allows us to have a much better and concrete understanding of who is willing to do what and who is capable of doing what."
He also warned European allies that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop his military aggression on Ukraine’s border, and that the time for bold action is now.
"If Europeans are serious about their security, they have to take difficult decisions. I think it's the duty of European politicians to go to their constituents, and ... explain to every household ... why their well-being depends on the ability of Ukraine to defend itself and to defend the entire continent," the First Deputy Foreign Minister noted.
Kyslytsya called Europeans Kyiv’s closest friends but emphasized that cooperation with the United States is key, as it provides logistical and air support, as well as intelligence data that will be decisive for Ukraine’s long-term security.
He also added that a decision still needs to be made on whether Ukraine will have a series of bilateral agreements with its European allies or a multilateral agreement among several countries.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
On September 4, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the countries of the Coalition of the Willing had completed the preparation of security guarantees for Ukraine.
According to him, 26 countries are already ready to send their troops to Ukraine or support such a mission.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the possible deployment of a foreign contingent to Ukraine, noted that it would involve thousands of soldiers.
Recently, Zelenskyy reported that the basic document on security guarantees for Ukraine is practically ready, with details being worked out with all partners.
