Zelensky welcomes security guarantees for Ukraine: Details of the Paris meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the significant progress made by Western countries supporting Kyiv in drafting security guarantee documents for Ukraine, describing it as a pivotal step that "goes beyond mere words" to actual implementation. This came after a strategic meeting held in Paris, which included representatives of Kyiv's allies to discuss future security arrangements.
In a press conference held after the talks, Zelensky stressed that the international coalition now possesses key documents with "concrete content," noting that these steps reflect a serious commitment to working for real and sustainable security for Ukraine, and not just fleeting political promises.
Completing security protocols and future challenges
For his part, US envoy Steve Wittkopf revealed in remarks following the meeting that Kyiv's allies had largely finalized an agreement on the general framework of security guarantees to be granted to Ukraine once its military operations with Russia conclude. Wittkopf stated, "We believe we have largely completed the security protocols, which are important so that the Ukrainian people know this war will end for good and will not be repeated.".
However, the American official did not hide the existence of real obstacles related to geographical issues, explaining that border issues and the demarcation of contact lines represent the most problematic and sensitive areas in the next stage of negotiations, expressing his hope to reach realistic settlements regarding land options.
The strategic context of security guarantees
These diplomatic moves come at a sensitive juncture in the Russian-Ukrainian war, as Kyiv and its allies seek to establish a security framework that would guarantee Ukraine's immunity from future aggression should a ceasefire or peace agreement be reached. These guarantees are seen as a temporary or preparatory step toward NATO membership, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, provide intelligence support, and develop its military-industrial base to ensure long-term deterrence.
Regional and international dimensions of the agreement
This progress on the guarantees file carries broad implications both regionally and internationally. At the European level, the adoption of these guarantees signifies a long-term commitment from major powers (such as France, Germany, and Britain) to the stability of Europe's eastern flank, thus reducing the risk of the conflict spreading. Internationally, the direct involvement of the United States in drafting these protocols sends a clear message of continued Western support, but at the same time places the onus on the arduous political negotiations regarding the fate of the occupied territories—an issue that will shape the geopolitical map of the region in the coming decades.
