Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at a joint press conference with the leaders of Poland and Lithuania that US security guarantees for Ukraine have been fully agreed upon. Kyiv is now waiting for the time and place to sign the relevant documents. According to Zelensky, these guarantees will be ratified by the US Congress and Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, making them independent of changes in US administrations and strengthening Ukraine’s role as a key US ally.
The president also emphasized the importance of the European aspect of security guarantees, including the involvement of a volunteer coalition and Ukraine's prospects for joining the EU. However, the details of the future guarantees have not been made public, and questions remain about how ready the US really is to defend Ukraine. EU integration is key for reconstruction, but does not automatically provide military security guarantees.
One key issue is the creation of a volunteer coalition that could see NATO troops deployed in Ukraine. Russia strongly opposes NATO involvement, while Western countries are now considering deployment options without Russian consent, as Russia would see any such presence as de facto Ukrainian NATO membership.
Two paths for security guarantees are discussed: negotiations with Russia to achieve a mutually acceptable model for ending the war, and the independent deployment of Western forces as a deterrence measure.
The main question remains Russia's preparedness to end the war and whether Western security guarantees can accelerate this process. Zelensky highlights parliamentary ratification as a crucial signal to Russia regarding the West’s commitment.
However, effective mechanisms to end the war and pressure Russia remain unclear. Signing and ratifying the agreement is an ambitious but important first step toward practical security guarantees for Ukraine if hostilities are brought to an end.