Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled his acceptance of U.S. and European allies providing Ukraine with NATO-style security guarantees, according to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The development follows recent talks in Alaska between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The proposed arrangement would stop short of granting Ukraine full NATO membership but could involve American support for a European-led peacekeeping mission. Such a framework would give Kyiv Article 5-style protection without the deployment of U.S. troops on the ground.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move, describing it as “historic,” and emphasized that any agreement must directly involve Ukraine. He reiterated his call for trilateral negotiations between Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow.
European Leaders Join Push for Guarantees
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington this week, joined by European leaders including France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also participate, underscoring Europe’s demand for binding commitments to Ukraine’s security.
Caution Over Territorial Concessions
While the proposed guarantees could strengthen Ukraine’s defense posture, questions remain over their durability and enforcement. European leaders have already warned against any settlement that would pressure Kyiv into ceding territory — particularly the occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The discussions mark a pivotal moment in efforts to end the ongoing war, with the U.S., Russia, and European powers seeking to balance Ukraine’s sovereignty, regional stability, and long-term security.
