Zelenskyy rejects Russian guarantees, says only allies can shield Ukraine from new war
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine rejected the idea of security guarantees from Russia. He stressed that guarantees should come from countries trusted by the Ukrainian people, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Ukraine, the US, and European partners are currently developing security guarantees. These are designed to act as a safeguard if Russia attempts another attack. Meanwhile, Moscow has suggested that Russia should also serve as a guarantor.
Zelenskyy was asked what security guarantees should look like and whether Russia should provide them. He recalled Ukraine's experience with the Budapest Memorandum, when Russia was also a guarantor but broke its promises and launched a war.
"Therefore, we are not talking about security guarantees from Russia. We are talking about guarantees that will protect us from Russia, from its aggression, or from a repeat of full-scale hostile actions in the future," Zelenskyy said.
The president emphasized that guarantors should be countries trusted by the Ukrainian people. These are the countries that have helped Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war.
"For example, countries that imposed sanctions for aggression. Countries that supplied weapons. Countries that provided humanitarian support. Countries that strengthened us during energy blackouts. Countries that help return our children and people from captivity. Many things. And, of course, number one — countries capable of defending Ukraine," he said.
Zelenskyy highlighted that protection must exist in the air, at sea, and on land. At the same time, he noted that a strong Ukrainian army must assume part of the security guarantees.
"It is too early to talk about this (deploying troops on the ground -ed.). First, the infrastructure will be prepared, and in this infrastructure, the Ukrainian army plays a crucial role. Part of the security guarantees must be the strength of the Ukrainian army, a large Ukrainian army, domestic production, all these capabilities, and financial resources as well," Zelenskyy concluded.
Recently, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said the first drafts of Ukraine's security guarantees would be ready next week. He added that discussions are currently taking place exclusively in a closed format.
