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Tag: security guarantees

  • US and European Chiefs Discuss Security Guarantees for Ukraine

    US and European Chiefs Discuss Security Guarantees for Ukraine

    High-ranking military officials from the US and several European nations are currently collaborating on strategies to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine, according to sources. They presented their proposals to national security advisors this week as ongoing discussions seek effective ways to safeguard the country amid the persistent conflict with Russia.

    This development follows US President Donald Trump’s commitment to assist in Ukraine’s defense under any peace agreement to end Russia’s prolonged three-and-a-half-year invasion. A Pentagon statement indicated that both US and European planners have outlined military options for review by allied national security officials. Reuters reported that these military options are under preparation.

    Defense leaders from the US, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and Ukraine gathered in Washington, DC, from Tuesday through Thursday. A knowledgeable source revealed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who also acts as Trump’s national security advisor—conducted a conference call on Thursday with counterparts from Europe to discuss these potential military options.

    Another American official confirmed Rubio’s discussions with UK National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, Bjoern Seibert (the European Commission President’s chief of staff), Geoffrey van Leeuwen (NATO Secretary General’s chief of staff), along with officials from France, Italy, Germany, and Finland.

    While final details are still being ironed out, the sources indicated that European countries are expected to shoulder a significant portion, if not the majority, of any forces involved in securing Ukraine. This aligns with Vice President JD Vance’s statement Wednesday that Europe must bear the “lion’s share” of costs for the operation.

    The planning process continues, with Washington still defining its role in the effort. Trump has publicly stated he would not send US troops to Ukraine but remains open to other forms of military support, such as providing aerial assistance.

    One possible strategy involves deploying European troops to Ukraine under US command and control. US air support could include enhanced air defense systems or enforcing a no-fly zone using American fighter jets.

    Support for troop deployments within Europe varies, with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsing the idea of forming a “coalition of the willing,” and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicating his country’s potential participation.

    Germany’s soldiers’ union leader emphasized that European NATO allies need to accept the reality: deploying tens of thousands of troops for a long-term Ukraine peacekeeping force might be necessary. Trump has pushed for a swift resolution to what is considered Europe’s deadliest conflict in 80 years, while Kyiv and its allies worry he might attempt to impose a peace agreement favorable to Russia’s terms.

  • Zelensky Praises Groundbreaking Equal Minerals Agreement with US

    Zelensky Praises Groundbreaking Equal Minerals Agreement with US

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    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses reporters after discussions with the Swiss delegation on January 15, 2024, in Kehrsatz, near Bern, Switzerland. — Reuters

    KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has praised a new minerals agreement with the United States, describing it as a “truly equitable” partnership that will benefit both parties.

    This statement was made shortly after Russian missile strikes claimed two lives and injured 15 as a reaction to the agreement signed on Wednesday, which focuses on the joint development of Ukraine’s vital mineral resources.

    The partnership, which took months to finalize, will facilitate cooperation between the U.S. and Kyiv to explore and invest in Ukraine’s essential mineral assets.

    U.S. President Donald Trump initially referred to the agreement as a “money-back” guarantee for the wartime aid Ukraine had received from his predecessor, Joe Biden.

    However, Ukraine asserts that the new agreement does not connect to any previous “debt,” while U.S. officials emphasized that the deal underscores American support for Ukraine.

    “This agreement signals to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process focused on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine for the long haul,” stated U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington.

    Zelensky noted that the agreement had “changed significantly” throughout the negotiation process. “Now it is a genuinely equitable deal that presents an opportunity for substantial investment in Ukraine,” he remarked.

    He added, “There are no debts involved in this agreement, and a recovery fund will be established to invest in Ukraine and generate profits here.”

    Originally, Kyiv and Washington aimed to finalize the agreement in February; however, discussions were delayed due to tensions between Trump and Zelensky.

    Ukraine hopes this deal will facilitate U.S. security assurances as it seeks to protect itself against future Russian attacks after a three-year invasion by Moscow.

    The agreement still requires ratification from Ukraine’s parliament.

    ‘Stay silent and negotiate’

    Under this new arrangement, the U.S. and Ukraine will create a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund.

    For the first decade, all profits from the agreement will be reinvested within Ukraine, after which returns “may be shared between the partners,” according to Kyiv.

    While the deal does not stipulate specific U.S. security commitments, Washington argues that enhancing its economic interests in Ukraine will help deter Russian aggression.

    Despite Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire, Moscow continues its attacks on Ukraine unabated.

    A recent Russian drone strike in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa resulted in two fatalities and left more than a dozen injured, according to local officials.

    “We must intensify pressure on Russia to compel it to engage in negotiations. The more effective the sanctions are, the more incentives Russia will have to end the war,” Zelensky stated on Telegram following the strike.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot mentioned to AFP on Thursday, after discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the European Union is preparing a 17th round of sanctions against Russia, labeling President Vladimir Putin as the “main barrier” to peace in Ukraine.

    A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, led by Republican Lindsay Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, proposed legislation last month that would impose sanctions on countries supportive of Moscow if they disrupt efforts to conclude the conflict.

    Russia turned down a 30-day ceasefire suggested by the United States and Ukraine in March, insisting on a halt to Western military support for Kyiv.

    The U.S. has indicated that this week will be “crucial” in determining whether it will abandon efforts to find a resolution to the three-year conflict.

    Putin has announced an unexpected three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10, coinciding with Moscow’s extensive celebrations for the 80th anniversary of World War II Victory Day.

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