Zelenskyy Hails 'Historic' US Offer Of Security Guarantees For Ukraine Ahead Of Meeting Trump

Last Updated:August 18, 2025, 07:41 IST

Zelenskyy said the US offer for NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine was a significant step toward a potential peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

A file photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday praised the United States’ decision to provide NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine, calling it a significant step toward a potential peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said the Russian side had agreed to the US offers of NATO-like protection to Ukraine, which would be in lieu of Ukraine seeking NATO membership. He said it was “the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that."

“We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing," Witkoff told CNN’s ‘State of the Union’, describing the security guarantee as an “Article 5" type protection against further Russian invasion. Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty states that an attack on any member is considered an attack on all.

In a statement, Zelenskyy said, “This is a historic decision that the United States is ready to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine. Security guarantees, as a result of our joint work, must really be very practical, delivering protection on land, in the air, and at sea, and must be developed with Europe’s participation."

His remarks came after a video conference earlier on Sunday with a group of Ukraine’s allies in Europe, including the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany. “There is clear support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. Everyone agrees that borders must not be changed by force. Everyone supports that key issues must be resolved with Ukraine’s participation in a trilateral format – Ukraine, the US, and the Russian chief," Zelenskyy said.

Several leaders have hinted that Ukraine may have to recognise territorial losses as part of a peace deal with Russia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both Russia and Ukraine would need to make concessions to reach a peace deal, saying security guarantees for Kyiv would be discussed on Monday.

Trump Rules Out Ukraine’s NATO Entry

Ahead of a meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday, the US President called on the latter to agree to a peace deal, while ruling out Ukraine’s entry into NATO.

“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight. Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!" Trump said on Truth Social.

Trump had pressed Ukraine to agree to a peace deal after his meeting with Putin in Alaska because “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not." He is pushing for a direct peace agreement instead of an immediate ceasefire.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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Location :

Kyiv, Ukraine

First Published:

August 18, 2025, 07:40 IST

News world Zelenskyy Hails 'Historic' US Offer Of Security Guarantees For Ukraine Ahead Of Meeting Trump

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