Zelenskyy: Decision on security guarantees must be ready before start of negotiations

"I had a good conversation with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and thanked him for Sweden’s military aid and overall support for Ukraine. We eagerly await the 18th package of defense assistance," Zelenskyy wrote.

He also informed the Swedish prime minister about his constructive meeting with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg, as well as details of recent talks with foreign leaders.

"We must be absolutely clear: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing about Europe without Europe. We are working on a shared vision of security guarantees. A decision must be ready before any potential negotiations begin, and Europe must be at the negotiating table," the president stated.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, not just a temporary ceasefire.

Security guarantees for Ukraine

Previously, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that President Donald Trump aims to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, but the responsibility for security guarantees will fall on Europe.

According to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, security guarantees from the US remain the only effective way to deter Russia from launching another attack on Ukraine.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, following an emergency summit in Paris, declared Europe’s readiness to take the lead in providing Ukraine with security guarantees.

Additionally, European countries are actively discussing the possibility of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine. According to The Washington Post, up to 30,000 troops could be allocated for this mission.

However, Rutte emphasized that European security guarantees for Ukraine will still "require" US support to effectively deter Russia.