Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Security Guarantees Nearly Final, Seeks U.S. and German Backing

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the blueprint for a system of international security guarantees intended to protect Ukraine after the war with Russia will be completed "in the coming days." He told reporters that teams from Kyiv, Washington and European capitals are finalising an architecture designed to ensure, in his words, that “no one will contemplate attacking Ukraine again.” Zelenskiy outlined the progress after talks in Kyiv on 25 August with U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, saying Ukraine values Washington’s “readiness to be part of our security architecture.” The president added that further discussions with the U.S. team are scheduled for later this week and that he remains open to a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin if groundwork with allies is in place. Germany signalled deeper involvement the same day when Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv—his first since taking office—and pledged that Berlin, together with European partners, will “take responsibility” for providing security assurances led by Ukraine. Zelenskiy said he expects Germany to be a key player in the package. Security guarantees have become a central element of efforts, spearheaded by the United States and European Union, to lay the foundation for a negotiated end to Russia’s three-and-a-half-year invasion. Proposals under discussion range from long-term military assistance and joint weapons production to legally binding commitments modelled on, but falling short of, NATO’s Article 5 mutual-defence clause.