Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Sunday that a security guarantees agreement between Ukraine and the United States has been completed and is ready for signature. During a press briefing in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he was conducting an official visit, Zelenskyy told reporters that the document is “100 per cent ready” and that Ukrainian authorities are now waiting for partners to designate a signing date. Once signed, the agreement will need to be ratified by legislative bodies in both the United States and Ukraine.
The readiness of this security pact follows intensive trilateral negotiations held over the weekend in Abu Dhabi. These discussions brought together Ukrainian, Russian, and American delegations in what Zelenskyy described as potentially the first trilateral format in quite a long while that included military representatives alongside diplomatic officials from all three countries. The participation of military personnel indicates that negotiations are addressing specific security arrangements, deployments, and operational details that would be critical components of any lasting peace settlement.
During his Lithuanian visit, Zelenskyy also articulated Ukraine’s determination to achieve European Union membership by 2027, characterizing this goal as an “economic security guarantee” for the nation. This strategy of simultaneously pursuing military security assurances from the United States and economic integration with Europe represents Ukraine’s comprehensive approach to ensuring its future. By embedding itself in Western institutions through multiple channels, Ukraine aims to create permanent connections that would guarantee stability and Western orientation regardless of future political changes.
The Ukrainian president was candid about the fundamental disagreements that persist between Ukrainian and Russian positions on key issues. He emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable, stating that this principle “must be respected” in any settlement. This position conflicts directly with Russian demands that have been communicated through various diplomatic channels, including recent extensive talks between President Putin and American presidential envoys. The Kremlin insists that to reach a peace deal, Kyiv must withdraw its troops from the areas in the east that Russia illegally annexed but has not fully captured.
The negotiation process continues with delegations scheduled to return to the United Arab Emirates on February 1 for additional talks. U.S. officials have revealed that recent Abu Dhabi discussions covered an extensive agenda, addressing both military and economic issues, and even exploring the possibility of implementing a ceasefire before reaching a final comprehensive peace agreement. However, several complex matters remain unresolved, including the development of an agreed framework for overseeing and operating the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is under Russian occupation and is Europe’s largest nuclear facility. Zelenskyy acknowledged that while the United States is working to find compromise solutions, he stressed that “all sides must be ready for compromise” if peace is to be achieved.
