US, Italy Discuss NATO-Style Security Guarantees for Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has proposed security guarantees for Ukraine inspired by NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause, aiming to provide Ukraine with protection without formal NATO membership, according to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This proposal involves a collective security clause enabling Ukraine to receive support from its partners, including the United States, in case of renewed aggression by Russia. Meloni emphasized that these guarantees must be robust enough to deter further attacks and that Ukraine alone should negotiate the terms and territorial questions for any peace agreement. Despite the complex and difficult nature of the peace process, Meloni expressed cautious optimism, noting that the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska opened a potential path forward after months of stalemate. European states remain united in backing Ukraine during these negotiations, and Trump’s support for the Italian idea of non-NATO Article 5-like guarantees signals growing momentum towards a new security framework for Ukraine. While peace remains challenging, the discussions mark a significant development in efforts to prevent new conflicts and promote stability in the region.