Ukraine Prepares First Stage of Security Guarantees Amid Political Games and Challenges

Over the past few weeks, the Ukrainian government and its international allies have been actively working on establishing reliable security assurance mechanisms for the country.
According to Sergey Kyslytsia, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the initial draft of the security guarantees document is expected to be finalized as early as the beginning of next week, marking a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense on the diplomatic front.
This document aims to include a set of commitments designed to prevent further escalation of the conflict and promote stability in the region.
Despite persistent attempts by Russia to derail the negotiation process, Ukraine and its partners continue to progress steadily in this complex endeavor.
Notably, the United States possesses considerable influence over Moscow and can leverage it to bolster their position in negotiations.
However, Ukrainian diplomats remain skeptical about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to engage in substantive talks, and they seek guarantees that comprehensively address all potential future scenarios.
Kyslytsia emphasized that Russia must fulfill its part of the agreement by cooperating with Ukraine and its allies, ensuring global security and stability.
He stressed that security assurances should be clear, unambiguous, and not serve as justification for future aggressive actions.
Regarding the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine, NATO experts suggest that it is premature to discuss large-scale military deployment at this stage.
According to sources from ZN.UA, the US proposed two options for security guarantees: one based on Article 5 of the Washington Treaty (collective defense), and the other involving strengthening the Ukrainian army.
Both scenarios have disappointed some European stakeholders, as neither provides fully adequate security guarantees.
For more details, read the analysis by international affairs expert Volodymyr Kim titled «Between Article 5 and the Hedgehog: The West Seeks ‘Security Guarantees’ for Ukraine» on ZN.UA.