Zelensky Seeks US Security Guarantees in Peace Deal with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged US President Donald Trump to provide security guarantees against future Russian attacks as part of any peace deal with Vladimir Putin. Zelensky believes that European assurances alone are insufficient to deter Russia from further aggression.
Zelensky is preparing to meet with members of the Trump administration for the first time since Trump's inauguration. He will meet with Vice President JD Vance, who has previously expressed skepticism about Ukraine. Zelensky will also meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss accessing Ukraine's natural resources, which Trump views as a means for Kyiv to pay for US protection.
Zelensky has expressed concern that European security guarantees alone are insufficient. He believes that the only real guarantee of security is NATO membership, which Trump has suggested Kyiv will not be permitted to join. Zelensky has also rejected the idea of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine without US involvement.
Former senior British and US officials have expressed concern that Europe is currently incapable of guaranteeing Ukraine's security without US assistance. They also worry that Trump could do a deal with Russia without consulting Europe, which could undermine the possibility of lasting peace.
Should Trump manage to get Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, Zelensky plans to offer a straight territory swap. Kyiv would hand over the sliver of the Russian Kursk region it currently controls back to Moscow in exchange for some or all of the nearly 20% of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces. However, Moscow has indicated that they are not willing to accept this offer.
8 Comments
KittyKat
“I support a robust approach to peace—demanding security guarantees is the right way to ensure lasting stability.”
Loubianka
“A reliance on external security guarantees weakens Ukraine’s own defense strategy in the long run.”
Katchuka
“When Europe’s security isn’t enough, it makes total sense to call on the US to step up and help deter Russian aggression.”
Noir Black
“The idea of swapping territories is just absurd. It seems more like a way to placate Western allies than a real solution.”
Loubianka
“Zelensky’s demands only complicate an already complex situation. Forcing the US into the role of protector isn’t realistic.”
Donatello
“Zelensky’s approach seems like he’s over-relying on US promises rather than building a self-reliant security plan.”
Michelangelo
“Zelensky’s strategy might be ambitious, but ambition is necessary when facing a threat as daunting as Russian aggression.”
Raphael
“Bold and pragmatic. Zelensky’s push for US involvement shows determination to secure Ukraine’s future.”