Zelensky Signals Acceptance of US Security Guarantees as Alternative to NATO Membership in Landmark Peace Negotiations

President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Ukraine might accept security guarantees from the US and European nations as an alternative to NATO membership, potentially creating a pathway to prevent future Russian aggression.

On Sunday, Ukraine's leader met with a US delegation headed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former President Trump's son-in-law, at Germany's Federal Chancellery in Berlin. Several European national security advisers were also present at the meeting.

According to a statement from the US delegation, substantial progress was achieved during the more than five-hour meeting, which included comprehensive discussions about a 20-point peace plan, economic initiatives, and other matters. The talks are scheduled to continue on Monday.

Kyiv has long viewed NATO membership as crucial for ensuring its future security. However, its rhetoric has shifted amid persistent reluctance from the US and some European partners, especially as Washington intensifies efforts to end the nearly four-year war.

Zelensky told reporters that bilateral security agreements between Ukraine and the US functioning similarly to NATO's Article 5, combined with guarantees from Europe and potentially other nations such as Canada and Japan, could effectively deter "another coming of Russian aggression."

On social media platform X, Zelensky emphasized: "The key thing is that all the steps we agree on with partners must work in practice to deliver guaranteed security. Only reliable guarantees can deliver peace."

Beyond Sunday's discussions, a major summit is planned for Monday, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expected to join approximately 10 other European leaders.

Zelensky acknowledged that the roadmap for a potential accord on Ukraine's future won't please everyone. Russian officials have already criticized the involvement of Ukraine and Europe in developing peace proposals.

"The plan should be as fair as possible, and first of all for Ukraine, because it was Russia that started the war," Zelensky stated. "The plan should stipulate that after its signing, Russia would not have the opportunity to start another war."

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed "cautious optimism" about the latest round of talks, telling state-owned broadcaster YLE in Helsinki: "This is the most serious attempt we have seen so far, and breakthroughs are possible." He added, "We don't know exactly what Russia's ultimate stance is."

Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicated in pre-recorded remarks to state television that "there will be some absolutely unacceptable points for us, including territorial issues." He emphasized that Russia would "1 million percent" not cede control of the Crimean peninsula it annexed in 2014.

Zelensky suggested that the latest meetings could bring significant changes as parties focus on the 20-point blueprint, including terms for a ceasefire to end Russia's invasion. "This can change the situation on the ground," he said, adding that Ukraine is concentrating on economic and security issues as well as the military aspects of the proposal.

On X, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine "needs peace on dignified terms" and is prepared to work "as constructively as possible" toward achieving this goal.