Zelensky welcomes new Western security guarantees for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the significant progress made by Kyiv's allies in drafting Western security guarantees for Ukraine, describing them as practical steps that move beyond mere verbal promises. This came in response to the outcomes of the strategic meeting held by countries supporting Kyiv in Paris, which represents a turning point in security relations between Ukraine and the West.
In a press conference held to comment on these developments, Zelenskyy affirmed that the international coalition supporting his country now possesses fundamental documents with "concrete content." The Ukrainian president stated, "The important thing is that the coalition now has fundamental documents that go beyond mere words," praising the serious commitment shown by the allies to work towards building a genuine security system that will guarantee the region's future stability.
Completing the security protocols and ending the war
For his part, US envoy Steve Wittkopf revealed, following intensive talks in Paris, that Kyiv's allies had largely finalized an agreement on the general framework of security guarantees that Ukraine would receive once its current war with Russia ends. Wittkopf explained that the purpose of these protocols is to reassure the Ukrainian people that this war, when it ends, will be the last and will not be repeated.
The US envoy stated, “We believe we have largely finalized the security protocols, which are important so that the Ukrainian people know this war will end for good.” These remarks reflect the desire of Washington and European capitals to establish a sustainable security framework that prevents a resurgence of armed conflict in Eastern Europe.
Challenges of border demarcation and disputed areas
Despite optimism regarding the security aspect, Witkopf clearly indicated that border and territorial issues remain the biggest obstacle and the most problematic area in the next phase of negotiations. He acknowledged that options for dealing with territory would be “the most sensitive issue,” expressing his hope for reaching realistic compromises on this matter.
Historical context and strategic importance
These guarantees are of paramount importance given the historical background of the conflict, as Ukraine has been seeking binding defense commitments since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, going beyond the 1994 “Budapest Memorandum” under which Kyiv gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees that did not prevent the outbreak of war later.
Observers believe that the West’s success in formulating these guarantees will form the cornerstone of the new European security architecture, aiming to transform Ukraine into a defensive fortress capable of deterring any future aggression, thereby enhancing regional and international stability and putting an end to expansionist ambitions in the Old Continent.
