Zelensky names three key blocks of future security guarantees for Ukraine
29 August 20:45
on August 29, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the main areas that, in his opinion, should become the foundation of future security guarantees for the state. During a conversation with journalists, the head of state outlined three strategic blocks: defense capability, cooperation with NATO, and sanctions policy toward Russia, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Defense forces and weapons
Zelenskyy called the first and most important block the provision of the Ukrainian army. This means stable funding and the supply of weapons in the amount that allows for effective defense of the country’s borders.
“No one says more, because no one will give more. But we cannot say less – we are not going to conduct relevant experiments,” the President emphasized.
There are three main channels for armament:
- Domestic production – including drones and other technologies
- European supplies – air defense systems, artillery
- The PURL initiative – the purchase of American weapons by NATO countries for Ukraine
Interaction with NATO
Zelenskyy called the prospects of NATO membership the second block. According to him, Ukraine is not currently being offered full membership, but is discussing a “light NATO” format.
“We need to understand what the partners are willing to do under these agreements,” he said, adding that the relevant negotiations will start on September 1.
The President emphasized the need for clear legal obligations on the part of the partners, rather than declarative memorandums or agreements that have no real force.
Sanctions and response to aggression
The third block concerns the sanctions policy towards Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized that security guarantees should include mechanisms for responding to possible new aggression, as well as the use of frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine.
“What are security guarantees: let’s say Russia attacks us again from the sea – who will defend what and how, who is ready to do what,” the president explained.
The buffer zone is already a reality
Zelenskyy also commented on proposals to create a “buffer zone” between Ukraine and Russia. According to him, such a zone already exists – these are territories that are constantly under attack by drones.
“This buffer zone – I call it a ‘dead zone’, some call it a ‘gray zone’ – already exists. If Russia wants to have a greater distance, let it move deeper into the occupied territory,” he said.
International context
The issue of security guarantees is being actively discussed at the international level. US Special Representative Steve Witkoff said that during a meeting in Alaska, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of “credible guarantees” for Ukraine, in particular, similar to NATO Article 5.
The so-called “coalition of the willing” has already declared its readiness to deploy military contingents in Ukraine. At the same time, the United States has not yet decided on the format of support: the White House talks about coordination and “other means,” while Trump does not rule out assistance with air transportation, but does not plan to send troops.
Zelenskyy emphasized that one of the elements of guarantees should be a package of American weapons, including aircraft and air defense systems that Ukraine does not produce on its own.
