Zelenskyy explains whether NATO Article 5–style guarantees tied to concessions
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that security guarantees may involve certain concessions. At the same time, he stressed that this must be about partnership, not an exchange, Zelenskyy made the remarks while speaking with the media in Brussels.
"I want to be honest: I understand where the attractiveness of certain security guarantees from partners may be heading. They may move toward concessions on certain issues. We understand this," the country’s leader said.
He noted that partners had not told him this directly, but added that he "understands the mood" and how Ukraine will act.
"There must be a partnership. This cannot be a matter of exchange — not even about territories, but about services," Zelenskyy stressed.
US peace plan and security guarantees
On December 14–15, new talks between Ukraine, the US, and Europe on a peace plan took place in Berlin. The sides discussed a wide range of issues, including the most difficult ones — territories and security guarantees.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the US is offering Ukraine legally binding security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5, but without Ukraine’s formal membership in the Alliance. Sources say Washington is promising protection against any aggression in an effort to "break the deadlock" in the talks.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine expects five documents, some of which concern security guarantees, and that they will be voted on by the US Congress. According to Zelenskyy, such an agreement already exists.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that on December 15, Europe presented its own security guarantees plan for Ukraine. It includes six key points related to military support, a mechanism for monitoring a ceasefire, legally binding security guarantees, and much more.
