President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine’s willingness to accept international security guarantees instead of full NATO membership should already be seen as a significant compromise on Kyiv’s part, as diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia continue.
Speaking to journalists, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine remains open to dialogue but has not yet received a formal response from the United States regarding the Ukrainian and European proposals for a peace framework. He said he had only heard “a few messages” through Ukraine’s negotiating team, adding that Kyiv was ready to continue discussions — reports The WP Times, cited by Ukrainian media outlets.
According to the Ukrainian president, meaningful progress will depend on whether the United States demonstrates a clear determination to bring the war to an end. In that case, Zelensky said, Russia would also be forced to seek compromises.
Security guarantees remain one of the most sensitive and contentious elements of the proposed peace arrangements. Zelensky underlined that agreeing to guarantees from the United States and European partners, rather than insisting on immediate NATO membership — which is not unanimously supported by all allies — already represents a concession by Ukraine.
The comments come amid intensified diplomatic contacts between Kyiv, Washington and European capitals. On 5 December, Ukraine and the United States held their sixth meeting in two weeks, during which officials discussed the outcome of a recent visit to Russia by Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner.
The following day, Zelensky said he had held a “long and substantive” phone conversation with US representatives. According to Axios, the talks focused on territorial issues and security guarantees, with sources describing the discussion on territory as particularly difficult.
At the same time, Politico reported that the United States is pushing for Ukraine to withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region not currently occupied by Russian forces as part of a potential peace deal — a demand that aligns with Moscow’s position.
Zelensky has repeatedly rejected any suggestion of territorial concessions, insisting that Ukraine cannot cede any of its territory under either national legislation or international law.
Diplomatic momentum continued on 8 December, when leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France and the United Kingdom met in London to coordinate positions on a potential settlement. Following the talks, Zelensky said that Ukrainian and European components of a peace agreement were now “much more developed” and that Kyiv and its partners were ready to present their proposals to the United States.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: Ukraine war: Zelensky releases video of long-range Neptune missile launch into Russia
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine.
