Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees as Allies Discuss Multinational Support

Ukraine is actively pursuing security guarantees from its allies as a precondition for possible direct talks between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the United States signaling support for renewed negotiations. Zelenskyy envisions a trilateral meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump after clarifying the framework for security guarantees, which are expected within 10 days. However, Russia demands a veto power over Ukraine's defense measures, complicating the negotiations, while Kyiv and its allies work on proposals including a NATO-lite assurance to provide military support without full NATO membership. The U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio is set to meet with national security advisors from allied countries to discuss these guarantees, aiming to build trust among European partners and outline possible military assistance such as air support and naval protection. European nations, including France, the UK, Belgium, Lithuania, and Estonia, are preparing to contribute troops in non-combat roles to reassure Ukraine, although the U.S. will not deploy ground forces. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the complexity of the talks, stressing that the U.S. will not negotiate with Russia without Ukraine and its partners, highlighting the two core issues: security guarantees for Kyiv and Moscow's control over certain territories.