Putin may soften his stance and offer Ukraine NATO-like security guarantees, say the US and Europe
Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, the United States has claimed that Putin has agreed to provide NATO-like security guarantees to Ukraine. This was a major initiative during the Trump-Putin summit. Europe has also supported this step, while Zelensky welcomed it but said that the practical aspects of the guarantees are still unclear.
President Putin’s stance has softened, opening up possibilities for negotiations. Meanwhile, the United States and European countries are considering providing NATO-like security guarantees to Ukraine. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Wittkof has claimed that President Putin agreed to such security guarantees for Ukraine during the Trump-Putin summit, similar to NATO’s Article 5. This is being regarded as the most significant development so far.
Steve Wittkof said that the United States and its European allies could jointly provide Ukraine with collective security guarantees. This is the first time Putin has accepted such a proposal. According to him, 'This agreement could be a game-changer, as Ukraine has long sought NATO-like security.' Wittkof also stated that Russia has assured it will not attempt to seize additional territory
Europe and Ukraine’s Reaction
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said at a press conference in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Europe stands with the United States on this security guarantee. Zelensky expressed gratitude to the U.S. and Europe, noting that the practical aspects of the guarantee are still unclear
Direction and Challenges of the Peace Talks
Wittkof also mentioned that Trump has focused on a peace agreement rather than demanding an immediate ceasefire, as consensus has already been reached on several key issues. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that if progress is not made in ending the war, stricter measures will be taken against Russia
