Zelensky and Trump: Comprehensive agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday a major diplomatic breakthrough during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Davos, confirming a final agreement on US security guarantees for post-war Ukraine. This announcement is a pivotal step in international efforts to establish a roadmap to end the ongoing conflict with Russia and ensure that aggression is not repeated.
Details of the agreement and the ratification process
Speaking to reporters in English after the meeting, Zelensky confirmed that the drafting of the security guarantees document had been "completed." The Ukrainian president explained that the next steps were procedural and constitutional in nature, stating, "The two parties, the two presidents, must formally sign the document, and then it will be submitted to the two national parliaments (the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament) for ratification." This step is considered essential to ensure the agreement's sustainability and transform it into a legally binding commitment for both countries, regardless of future political changes.
The context of security guarantees and their strategic importance
Security guarantees are of paramount importance to Kyiv, as Ukraine has sought concrete international commitments to protect its sovereignty since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. These guarantees serve as a temporary or interim alternative to NATO membership, which may become impossible as long as military operations continue. Such bilateral agreements typically aim to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry, military training, intelligence sharing, and support for its defense industries, thereby making the cost of any future aggression prohibitively high for the aggressor—a strategic principle known as "deterrence by denial.".
Political and international dimensions of the agreement
Reaching an agreement with President Donald Trump carries profound political implications, given the US administration's repeated emphasis on the need for European countries to shoulder a greater share of the continent's defense. This agreement signals a continued US commitment to European security, but within a clearly defined contractual framework. Furthermore, this announcement sends a strong message to the international community and Russia that Western support for Ukraine is taking on a long-term, institutional form, extending beyond emergency aid packages to a strategic security partnership.
Expected impact on the course of war and peace
Observers believe that finalizing security guarantees is a cornerstone of any future peace negotiations. Ukraine cannot accept a ceasefire or a political settlement without a military and political "insurance policy" guaranteeing its protection against any future surprise attack. This agreement is expected to accelerate similar negotiations with other allied countries, creating an international safety net around Ukraine and contributing to the stability of Europe's eastern flank.
