Journalist and political analyst Vitaliy Portnikov commented on President Zelensky's public disclosure regarding alleged US demands for Ukraine to relinquish part of its territory. According to Portnikov, this statement serves primarily a domestic political purpose: to show that Ukraine is resisting Western pressure. He warns that real and reliable US security guarantees for Ukraine do not exist, as these would require direct US military involvement against Russia, something that is ruled out even for NATO member states.
Portnikov argues that, even if Ukraine agreed to US diplomatic proposals, it would not receive true security guarantees, and concessions—such as withdrawing troops from Donbas—would not end the war. The US may reduce its support for Kyiv due to its own limited military resources, especially amid further escalation in the Middle East.
He underscores the importance of Ukraine preserving an independent stance on the international stage: cooperation with Saudi Arabia and other regional powers strengthens Kyiv’s position globally. Portnikov stresses that the main objective for Ukraine and its partners is to stop further advances by Russian forces, as this is the key to European security.
Discussing US internal politics, Portnikov notes that upcoming elections and the economic crisis may significantly impact Washington’s Ukraine policy. He also highlights the growing independence of European policy, regardless of the US position.
