Whitcoff Confirms: Russia Agrees to NATO-Style Security Guarantees for Ukraine
U.S. and European Leaders Welcome Breakthrough in Peace Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to allow the United States and European countries to provide Ukraine with 'NATO-style' collective defense security guarantees, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Whitcoff announced on the 17th (local time).
In an interview with CNN that day, Special Envoy Whitcoff said regarding the U.S.-Russia summit held in Alaska on the 15th, "The concessions we secured from Russia are as follows," adding, "The United States can provide Ukraine with protection similar to Article 5 of the NATO Charter." He further stated, "This is the real reason Ukraine wants to join NATO," and emphasized, "This is the first time Russia has agreed to this."
Article 5 of the NATO Charter is the collective defense clause that stipulates if any member state is attacked, it is considered an attack on the entire alliance, and a joint response is required. Ukraine and Europe have demanded strong security guarantees as a condition for a ceasefire with Russia. The United States has previously drawn a line against Ukraine joining NATO, but this development is noteworthy as it involves providing NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine and securing Russia's agreement.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, welcomed the move, stating, according to AP, "The EU is ready to do its part."
Special Envoy Whitcoff explained that a specific measure includes a legislative guarantee within the Russian Federation, ensuring that Russia will not invade other territories or violate the sovereignty of other European countries when the peace agreement is codified.
He also reiterated the U.S. position that the conclusion of a future peace agreement "depends on Ukraine's consent." He explained that territorial exchanges between Russia and Ukraine are a "fundamental issue" that cannot be discussed without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Previously, President Trump met with President Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on the 15th to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, but the talks concluded without a clear agreement. Afterwards, Trump urged, "(The agreement) depends on Zelensky. Make a deal," effectively shifting responsibility for a peace agreement to President Zelensky. President Zelensky pointed out that Russia's stance of demanding a peace agreement instead of a ceasefire is making efforts to end the war even more complicated.
On the 18th, President Trump is scheduled to meet with President Zelensky and European leaders at the White House for follow-up discussions. Depending on the outcome of these talks, there is a possibility of a trilateral summit between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. President Trump posted on his social media that "there has been significant progress with Russia" and urged, "Stay tuned!"
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