Diplomatic efforts to end the war initiated by Russia over three years ago have accelerated following U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting in Alaska with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This was followed by meetings between Zelenskyy, European leaders, and Rutte with Trump at the White House on Monday.
Any peace agreement must ensure that Ukraine is protected from further Russian aggression, potentially involving increased weapon supplies to Ukraine and the deployment of European troops. However, Russia has expressed opposition to any NATO forces in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for allies to specify which countries will assist on the ground, protect air security, and ensure maritime safety. He pointed out delays in F-16 jet fighter deliveries as indicative of broader coordination issues, acknowledging that while they are not complete and insufficient for air security, they are still vital.
NATO military leaders met virtually on Wednesday to discuss security guarantee details and explore military and diplomatic options before formal peace discussions. Rutte highlighted the importance of decisive action and providing Kyiv with firm assurances. He stressed that these new guarantees should not echo the ineffective Budapest Memorandum or Minsk negotiations, referencing historic agreements that failed to secure Ukraine’s safety.
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