Zelensky outlines three security guarantee options and stresses mandatory European participation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky detailed the country's position on possible forms of international security guarantees during a conversation with journalists on 27 October. He outlined three main models, some of which are directly linked to the involvement of European partners.

First scenario: bilateral agreement with the US

The first option envisages the establishment of bilateral security guarantees between Ukraine and the United States. According to the head of state, such a system should resemble the collective defence mechanism enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Coalition of the Willing and NATO membership

The second format being considered by Kyiv is the creation of a "Coalition of the Willing" with reliable backing from the US. Zelensky emphasised that discussing this scenario without Europe's participation is impossible, so its representatives must be present at the negotiating table.

«Третій варіант – це НАТО. І це також не може обговорюватись без Європи – без тієї Європи, яка є частиною Альянсу» ("The third option is NATO. And this also cannot be discussed without Europe – without that Europe which is part of the Alliance"), the president stated.

Europe as a key financial partner

Beyond security aspects, an important subject of dialogue with international partners is the issue of post-war recovery and meeting Ukraine's economic needs. Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that this topic is also impossible to resolve without the involvement of European countries.

«Тому що зараз Європа фінансує зброю для України і наш бюджет. І так само ми розраховуємо і на бюджет, і на ЄС, і на лідерів, на їхній бізнес, який буде приїжджати в Україну і допомагати відновленню України. Такий, умовно, "План Маршалла" без Європи ми не бачимо» ("Because currently Europe finances weapons for Ukraine and our budget. And we also count on the budget, the EU, and the leaders, on their business, which will come to Ukraine and help with Ukraine's recovery. We do not see such a, so to speak, 'Marshall Plan' without Europe"), he explained.

The role of negotiations with Russia

The head of state also clarified the format of possible contacts with the Russian Federation. According to him, Ukraine can discuss conceptual issues with Russia with US mediation. However, if negotiations move to the level of approving specific security guarantees that require Europe's participation, then European partners are obliged to be present at these discussions.