Upcoming Security Measures Prior to D.C. Summit
U.S. and European Allies Consider Article 5-Like Security Guarantees for Ukraine
The United States and European allies are exploring the possibility of providing Ukraine with security guarantees modeled after Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) treaty. This move is intended to enhance Ukraine's deterrence against future Russian aggression, without full NATO membership for Ukraine.
The idea was first highlighted during the 2025 Alaska summit and subsequent diplomacy involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. While the guarantees remain in the early stages, they are seen as "game-changing" security assurances.
Under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, obligating members to assist the attacked party, potentially with armed force. The proposed security guarantees for Ukraine would emulate this principle, providing collective defense assurances similar to those enjoyed by NATO members. An attack on Ukraine would be treated as an attack on all signatories, prompting collective assistance that could include military support.
The two-layered approach proposed by European and U.S. leaders involves strengthening the Ukrainian armed forces to defend the country and providing security guarantees by Europe and the United States after a peace agreement or long-term ceasefire to deter further conflicts.
However, Russia's reaction is a critical factor. Reportedly, Russia would not object to an Article 5-like security framework as part of a peace deal following diplomatic talks involving Trump and Putin. Detailed operational mechanisms, such as the U.S. role and coordinated military planning among NATO allies, are actively discussed in high-level military meetings but not yet finalized.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be accompanied by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Washington for discussions on Monday. The meeting is likely to be crucial for the ongoing efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, especially after the Alaska summit where Trump effectively rehabilitated Putin on the world stage.
The discussion in Washington will include "security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine in defending against Russian aggression." Russia is demanding that Ukraine relinquish a number of territories, which President Zelensky categorically rejects.
In addition, Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's EU membership would also be a guarantee of the country's security. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukraine's NATO membership is not negotiable.
The meeting in Washington comes amidst ongoing efforts to prevent a repeat of a fiasco similar to the meeting between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office in February 2022, which led to the temporary suspension of crucial military aid to Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that a ceasefire is still on the table, but the ultimate goal is to conclude a "comprehensive peace agreement." There is also a possibility of a three-way summit involving Zelensky, Trump, and Putin, but no confirmed location or time has been set.
[1] NATO Review
[2] Politico
- Other international issues, such as war-and-conflicts and politics, are also being discussed in the ongoing negotiations, with general news outlets like NATO Review and Politico reporting on the significance of the disputed territories and the potential impact of Ukraine's EU membership on its security.
- The proposed security guarantees for Ukraine by the U.S. and European allies, modeled after Article 5 of NATO, can be viewed as an extension of politics and diplomacy, aiming to deter war-and-conflicts and promote stability in the region.
