In the latest U.S. diplomacy return, Ukraine offered security guarantees similar to those given by NATO, without formal membership in the alliance. During the talks in Alaska with Putin, everyone was waiting for Russia's movement. According to The Telegraph, Vladimir Putin was to agree.
What do the US security guarantees for Ukraine mean?
NATO-like security guarantees consist of a commitment that the United States and their European allies will respond to any future attack on Ukraine. They are to act as so-called Article 5 NATO, which orders members of the alliance to defend each other in the event of aggression.In practice, Ukraine will still not be a full NATO memberbut will receive political and military support in the event of a breach of its territory.
Ingredients of the proposed guarantee
- Coalition of volunteers – 33 countries, ready to develop military support plan for Ukraine
- Commitment to arms supply by European countries
- US Declaration: Support for deterrence of Russian aggression subject to peace agreement
Putin reactions and conditions proposed by the US
According to the latest reports, Vladimir Putin was to officially agree to the guarantee mechanism – but only outside NATO structures. It is a movement that allows Russia to preserve its face and gives the West the hope of stabilising the region.Putin in an interview with Donald Trump in Alaska declared his willingness to negotiate and peace, as the American President also stressed.
Key positions of the USA
- The US will not directly send troops to Ukraine
- Weapons will be handed to Kiev mainly by European allies
- Guarantees require a peaceful agreement
How can such guarantees look in practice?
For example, instead of rapid military intervention, Ukraine can receive political support, immediate sanctions (like the Western response to the attack on Poland in World War II) and access to the latest defence systems. This is similar to the "safety parasol" system in which the US and Europe protect Ukraine's strategic interests, but not directly involved, as in the case of NATO.
Potential benefits and challenges
Modern security guarantees are dynamic and multi-level. The most important are:
- Maintaining Ukrainian sovereignty without an open threat from Russia
- Strengthening the Motivation for Peace in the East
- Building permanent structures to support the stability of the region
Table: Differences between NATO membership and US guarantees
| Function | NATO | US Guarantees for Ukraine |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Military Defense | Yes (Article 5) | No, just a commitment. |
| Shipment of troops | Directly from NATO | Mostly by partners. |
| Participation in alliance structures | Yes. | No. No. |
| Permanent political and military support | Always | Conditionally, after the truce |
| Voting rights in alliance decisions | Yes. | No. No. |
Will Ukraine gain real security?
The new US proposal is part of a global policy of deterrence and diplomacy. It gives Ukraine tools to defend its own sovereignty, without confronting Russia on a large scale. For Kiev it is an opportunity to stabilise and protect – its effectiveness will evaluate the future and development of the Ukrainian military and cooperation with the West.
Just as the umbrella protects against rain, security guarantees can protect Ukraine from returning a dangerous conflict –If all interested will stick to the arrangements.
