Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described bilateral security guarantees with the US, Europe, and other nations as a 'compromise' on Ukraine's long-desired NATO accession. Zelenskyy made these remarks on Sunday while addressing journalists, emphasizing Ukraine's historical stance on joining the alliance for 'real security guarantees'. However, he acknowledged that some partners in the US and Europe have not been supportive of this path.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is now focused on securing bilateral security guarantees with Washington, referencing 'Article 5-like guarantees' from the North Atlantic Treaty. He also mentioned seeking assurances from European countries, Canada, and Japan. Zelenskyy expressed that these security guarantees could serve as a preventive measure against further Russian aggression, marking a significant compromise from Ukraine's side.
Zelenskyy's comments represent a notable shift from Kyiv's previous approach to NATO membership, a goal that was officially included in Ukraine's Constitution following amendments approved by parliament in 2019. Russia has consistently opposed Ukraine's NATO membership, with President Vladimir Putin labeling it a "direct threat" to Moscow's security shortly before the war began in February 2022.
These developments occur amidst ongoing discussions related to a US-proposed peace plan. Talks are set to continue in Berlin, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Zelenskyy and several European leaders to discuss peace negotiations. German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius announced that Merz would hold bilateral discussions with Zelenskyy, focusing on German-Ukrainian economic cooperation and peace talks.
Kornelius noted that later in the day, several European heads of state and government, alongside EU and NATO representatives, would join the discussions. However, he did not disclose specific details about the meeting's participants or agenda. Zelenskyy commented that the proposed peace plan contains numerous compromises and acknowledged that it might not satisfy all parties involved.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that Ukraine has submitted an updated peace plan to the US, though he has not yet received a direct response from Washington. He indicated his readiness for dialogue, with planned meetings in Berlin, including separate discussions with Chancellor Merz and potential talks with European leaders.
The Ukrainian president highlighted the potential need for Ukraine to explore alternative solutions if current diplomatic efforts do not succeed, pointing out the lack of direct communication with Russia. He criticized Russia's demand for Ukraine's withdrawal from the Donbas region as 'not fair' and suggested that a ceasefire along the current front lines could be a fair and realistic resolution.
On the Russian side, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated to the Kommersant newspaper that a ceasefire in Ukraine would only be possible after Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbas region.