Trump is prepared to offer Ukraine protective assurances in line with the NATO template, according to Meloni's statements.
In the wake of the 2025 Trump-Putin summit, discussions and decisions are unfolding regarding significant security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees, while not full NATO membership, are reminiscent of NATO's collective defence commitment as outlined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to allow the U.S. and European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATO’s Article 5. This marks a significant departure from Putin’s previous firm opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.
European leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, are advocating for a two-layered framework. The first layer involves strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces to ensure self-defence after a peace deal or ceasefire. The second layer entails security guarantees from Europe and the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression.
Details on how these guarantees will function, particularly the U.S. role, are still being worked out through intense diplomacy. Military officials from the U.S. Joint Chiefs, such as Gen. Dan Caine, and NATO counterparts, along with meetings in Brussels, are part of these negotiations. The goal is a negotiated joint military plan that provides credible protection to Ukraine without formal NATO membership.
Italian Prime Minister Georgio Meloni has stated that significant progress has been made following the Trump-Putin meeting. The support for Ukraine, in case of a renewed Russian attack, is not contingent upon Ukraine joining NATO. Instead, it is intended to deter further aggression from Russia.
Notably, during discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine, references to Article 5 of the NATO treaty were made. This article refers to the collective defence commitment of member states to come to the aid of any member that is attacked. However, the source of this information is an anonymous European official.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is also mentioned in this context. He reportedly advised Ukraine to accept a deal with Russia, but did not specify which one. It is clear, however, that the support for Ukraine, in case of a renewed Russian attack, may include political, economic, and diplomatic measures, not just military aid.
In summary, the current approach revolves around providing Ukraine with NATO-style security guarantees, effectively substituting for full membership, with backing from the U.S. and Europe. This represents a significant step towards ensuring Ukraine's security and deterring further Russian aggression.
- The Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to allow the U.S. and European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee akin to NATO's Article 5, marking a departure from his previous opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.
- European leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, are advocating for a two-layered framework for Ukraine's security, which includes discussions and decisions on security guarantees reminiscent of NATO’s Article 5, in light of the 2025 Trump-Putin summit.
