Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Ukraine Security Guarantees: What Could They Look Like?
World leaders are figuring out how to protect Ukraine if they make peace with Russia.
They're talking about giving Ukraine security promises, but they have to be careful.
The promises need to be strong enough to stop Russia from attacking again, but not so strong that Russia says no to the peace deal.
The US is not going to send soldiers, but might help with supplies and air support.
Some countries want to help Ukraine build a stronger army.
European countries are collaborating with Zelenskiy on potential security guarantees.
Security guarantees must be robust enough to deter Russia but not so robust that Russia refuses them.
Trump has ruled out NATO membership and US ground troops for Ukraine.
A coalition of the willing is preparing for deployment of a reassurance force.
France believes strengthening Ukraine's armed forces is a key guarantee.
- Who
- Ukraine, Russia, US, European countries, and President Zelenskiy.
- What
- Security guarantees for Ukraine are being discussed in the context of a potential peace deal.
- When
- Discussions ongoing, following a White House meeting.
- Where
- Focus on Ukraine and the involvement of European countries and the US.
- Why
- To protect Ukraine from future attacks and facilitate a peace agreement.
Security Assurance
Russia's Interests
Strength of guarantees
Security Assurance
Robust enough to deter Russia
Russia's Interests
Not so robust that Russia rejects them
Ukraine's Armed Forces
Security Assurance
Strengthening Ukraine's military
Russia's Interests
Russia should not limit size of forces
- Key Figure
- Volodymyr Zelenskiy
- Proposed Guarantees
- Logistics, intelligence, air support
- US Stance
- Supporting peace but ruling out ground troops and NATO membership.
- European Involvement
- Working with Ukraine on guarantees and a possible reassurance force
Sources
Why Ukraine may get to join the EU but not Nato right now
NATO defense chiefs hold a virtual meeting on security guarantees for Ukraine
The difficult path to peace in Ukraine
Hungary ready to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks, foreign minister says
Zelenskiy says he wants ‘strong’ US reaction if Putin not ready to meet