NATO defence chiefs held talks on Ukraine’s future security guarantees, as Kyiv insists any peace deal must ensure a lasting ceasefire and protection against future Russian attacks. Moscow, however, has criticised these discussions.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

NATO defence chiefs recently held a virtual meeting to discuss possible security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia. The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine, though specific details of the guarantees have not been disclosed. Former NATO officials have proposed options including observer or reassurance forces, but caution that Russia's demands remain a significant obstacle to peace.

Russia has responded by insisting that it must be involved in any security negotiations, referencing a previous draft accord that would have given Moscow a role in guaranteeing Ukraine's security. Kyiv previously rejected such proposals, citing concerns that Russia would have undue influence over Ukraine's military decisions.

NATO weighs Ukraine security guarantees amid peace talks

If peace is achieved between Ukraine and Russia, Kiev wants security guarantees a ceasefire will hold and they won't be invaded again. This is one of the key issues NATO defence chiefs discussed in a virtual meeting on Wednesday. The military alliance said it was united and reconfirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. While no details were provided on exactly what security guarantees could be put in place, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff said they were already forming a plan. Former NATO officials have suggested options such as an observer force in Ukraine or a reassurance force, but they caution that Russia is not interested in peace because their demands go too far. Well, Russia is trying to not have a peace agreement but to have a sort of surrender on the part of Ukraine. Because the condition that it has put on the table, even before starting the aggression but also more recently, are simply unacceptable. It would imply a net loss of territory, it would imply a sort of demilitarisation of Ukraine. But Moscow hit back at recent efforts saying Russia needs to be at the table in any security negotiations. Russia does not exaggerate its interests. But we will ensure our legitimate interests firmly and harshly. And I am sure that the West and above all the United States understands perfectly well that seriously discussing security issues without the Russian Federation is a utopia. This is a road to nowhere. The Kremlin suggested security guarantees could be modelled on a draft accord in 2022 in the early days of the war. Under the proposal discussed then, Ukraine would have received security guarantees from a coalition of countries, including Russia itself. Kiev rejected this on the grounds that Moscow would have a veto over any military aid to Ukraine.

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NATO weighs Ukraine security guarantees amid peace talks

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Ukraine Invasion