In a decisive statement during his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that any future security arrangements for his country would be ineffective unless the United States was a key guarantor. These remarks effectively put an end to speculation about the possibility of relying solely on European powers in the post-war era.
The importance of the American role in the peace equation
Zelensky stressed that while security guarantees from major European countries like France and the United Kingdom are important and appreciated, they remain insufficient to deter any potential future Russian aggression. The Ukrainian president stated clearly, "The United Kingdom and France are ready to send troops on the ground, but we need President Trump's guarantee," adding a phrase that encapsulates the Ukrainian position: "I repeat, security guarantees are useless without the United States.".
Geopolitical context: Why is Kyiv so insistent on Washington?
Zelensky's remarks come at a sensitive time in the Russian-Ukrainian war, as discussions intensify in international circles regarding scenarios for ending the conflict and potential peace negotiations. The Ukrainian side is well aware that the United States possesses the greatest military and political weight within NATO and is the only power capable of providing a strategic deterrent comparable to Russia's.
Historically, Ukraine has suffered from the fragility of international guarantees, perhaps most notably the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees from major powers (including Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom) that would respect its sovereignty—guarantees that ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of war. Therefore, Zelenskyy seeks to avoid repeating past mistakes by demanding strict and binding enforcement mechanisms from Washington.
Expected impact on transatlantic relations
Zelensky’s call carries multiple messages; on the one hand, it puts pressure on the incoming US administration led by Donald Trump to clearly define its position on the future of European security, and on the other hand, it reminds European leaders that talk of “strategic independence” for Europe is still far from being achieved in light of current security challenges.
Observers believe that Kyiv's insistence on American guarantees reflects a firm conviction that US logistical, intelligence, and military support is the backbone of any sustainable Ukrainian defense, and that the absence of this support could render any peace agreement merely a temporary truce exploited by Moscow to regroup. Therefore, linking European guarantees to the American umbrella is an existential condition for the Ukrainian leadership to ensure long-term regional stability.
