Ukraine's Foreign Minister explains security guarantee stance to Rubio and European leaders
Andrii Sybiha, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha explained Ukraine’s position on security guarantees and the next steps toward peace to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European counterparts, according to a post by the minister on X.
Specifically, a phone conversation took place between Sybiha, Rubio, the foreign ministers of France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK, as well as European External Action Service chief Josep Borrell.
According to Sybiha, the discussion was based on previous contacts among the countries’ leaders, the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the US, and the work of national security advisors.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister confirmed to allies that security guarantees for the country must be concrete, legally binding, and effective.
“They should be multidimensional, including military, diplomatic, legal, and other levels. We all share the conviction that the Ukrainian army is the fundamental level of any such guarantees, therefore its maximum strengthening is our top priority,” the minister said.
He also reiterated that Ukraine is ready to take the next steps toward achieving peace.
“We are ready for meetings at the level of leaders in any formats and geographies. We are ready to put an end to the killing and give diplomacy a chance. Moscow must know that it cannot drag its feet forever,” Sybiha said.
The diplomat emphasized that if Russia continues to reject meaningful and constructive steps toward peace, it will have to face corresponding consequences. Sybiha clarified that he was referring to significant sanctions intensification and expanded support for Ukraine.
“I am grateful to our allies for their support and unity. Ukraine remains committed to its role as a transatlantic security contributor and trusted ally,” the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry concluded.
The US State Department also confirmed the conversation between Rubio, Sybiha, and European leaders. While no details were provided, they noted:
The statement said that the parties had agreed to continue coordinating diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine by achieving a lasting negotiated settlement.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
Following the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, another important summit took place. On August 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders arrived at the White House.
The main topic of the summit was security guarantees for Ukraine, which the US and European countries are currently developing and are ready to provide to Kyiv after a peace agreement with Russia. These security guarantees are expected to operate on the principle of NATO’s Article 5, but outside the Alliance.
On the eve of the meeting, President Trump stated that Europe would need to provide Ukraine with substantial security guarantees, although the US would also participate in this process. Previously, the Pentagon had stated that the US role in Ukraine’s security guarantees would be minimal.
Some European countries, within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing, are discussing sending their soldiers to Ukraine as part of the guarantees to prevent a possible renewed Russian invasion. Other support options are also being considered, including in the air and at sea.
Additionally, the US may provide Ukraine with air support, but no deployment of American troops is planned. This was officially confirmed by US Vice President JD Vance.
