Security Guarantees for Ukraine: What the US Offers and Why It Depends on Putin
Security guarantees for Ukraine are currently in the hands of Vladimir Putin. The situation around this issue raises many questions, especially after the diplomatic conflict that erupted in early 2025 between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former US President Donald Trump, and Senator J.D. Vance. Against the backdrop of these events, the role of the US and European leaders is becoming increasingly important.
In March 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of a coalition of 34 countries aimed at ensuring stability in the region. In September 2025, Macron reported that 26 countries were ready to deploy their troops to Ukraine after reaching a ceasefire agreement. These actions reflect the collective memory of the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, which continues to influence current negotiations on security.
US Guarantees for Ukraine
The US has offered Ukraine guarantees that can be characterized as a 'platinum standard'. These guarantees may include:
- Delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1000 km.
Volodymyr Zelensky expresses hope that the new security guarantees will be legally binding. However, the ratification of new obligations will require support from the House of Representatives and the Senate, which could pose a serious barrier.
Zelensky noted that the proposed security guarantees 'align with Article 5' of NATO, to which Trump responded that 'there are many interpretations of Article 5'. This indicates that the issue of interpreting international obligations remains open and could affect future negotiations.
Russia, for its part, seeks a broader agreement with the US on European security, which also influences the situation regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. In this context, Putin's position will be crucial for the further development of events and the possibilities for Ukraine to obtain adequate security guarantees.
The situation with security guarantees for Ukraine remains at the center of international relations, where the influence of major powers, such as the US and Russia, is crucial. Developments in this area could significantly alter the balance of power in the region and affect stability not only in Ukraine but also in Europe as a whole. Therefore, attention to negotiations and diplomatic initiatives remains critically important for all participants.