Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees before Talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for 'security guarantees' before engaging in peace talks with Russia, a sentiment echoed by other leaders amid ongoing negotiations led by the Trump administration. Zelenskyy stated he would only meet with Russian President Putin after a plan is negotiated with Trump, who has recently shifted U.S. policy towards Ukraine. European officials, including German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, stressed that meaningful security guarantees are essential to prevent further Russian aggression and the need for a robust European response. Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö highlighted that strong guarantees from the U.S. and Europe could serve as an effective alternative to NATO membership for Ukraine. Moreover, Ukrainian parliament member Oleksiy Goncharenko underscored that NATO membership remains the best security guarantee for Ukraine. The urgency for these discussions reflects the broader implications for European security amidst the ongoing conflict.