In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that the United States is proposing a long-term security guarantee for his nation. The offer is part of a broader framework for a potential peace agreement to end the devastating war.
The Core of the US Proposal
According to President Zelenskyy, the United States has put forward a plan to provide Ukraine with a security guarantee lasting for a decade and a half. The proposed guarantee would be valid for a period of 15 years, offering a sustained commitment to Ukraine's defence and stability in the post-war period. This proposal was communicated to Ukrainian officials ahead of the critical G7 summit held in Italy.
Zelenskyy explained that the offer is not a bilateral defence pact like NATO's Article 5, but rather a structured agreement aimed at ensuring long-term security assistance. The goal is to create a robust framework that would deter future aggression and support Ukraine's military capabilities during a defined transitional phase.
Context and Diplomatic Manoeuvres
This disclosure comes at a pivotal diplomatic moment. President Zelenskyy was attending the G7 leaders' summit in Apulia, Italy, where support for Ukraine was a top agenda item. The summit, held from June 13-15, saw Western powers deliberating on new strategies to bolster Ukraine's position, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
The Ukrainian leader stated that the proposed security guarantee from Washington is intended to serve as a bridge. It would help Ukraine maintain its defensive strength until it potentially achieves its ultimate strategic goal: full membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Zelenskyy emphasised that the final, lasting security for Ukraine can only be guaranteed through NATO membership.
The Path Forward and Global Peace Summit
Parallel to these discussions, Switzerland is set to host a major Global Peace Summit on June 15-16. This high-level gathering aims to build international consensus on a pathway to end the war. President Zelenskyy has been actively rallying support for this summit, viewing it as a crucial platform to advance his 10-point peace formula.
The US security guarantee proposal adds a concrete element to these diplomatic efforts. It signals a long-term Western commitment, potentially making Ukraine more secure in considering a future peace deal with Russia. However, the details of how such a guarantee would be enforced, funded, and integrated with other international security arrangements remain subjects for further negotiation.
The development underscores the complex interplay between immediate battlefield needs, medium-term security assurances, and long-term strategic integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. As the war continues, such frameworks are becoming essential components of discussions about a sustainable post-conflict order in Eastern Europe.
