Ukraine needs not promises, but legal security guarantees: what has changed.

Ukraine has learned an important lesson from the Budapest memorandum. Security guarantees must now be not only abstract promises but also legally fixed forms of support. Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko emphasizes the need for concrete security guarantees, not mere promises.

“The Budapest memorandum seemed to also provide security guarantees, but then it was discussed that these were not exactly security guarantees, but assurances, hence such symbolic support. Therefore, for us, abstract assurances, promises mean nothing. For us, this is not a guarantee. We need concrete security guarantees. Not just statements that we will support you, but a legally fixed form of support for Ukraine,” — emphasized Fesenko.

The deployment of European troops on the territory of Ukraine can play a role in deterring the aggressor from a new war. The European Union is also showing support for Ukraine by allocating new funds for armaments. J.D. Vance, the Vice President of the United States, actively supports dialogue with the Ukrainian delegation, which indicates a new approach from the Americans to the situation in the region.

“So in this regard, I believe that over the last six months, at least over the last 3-4 months, fundamental changes have occurred in both NATO's position and the position of the United States. The main thing is to consolidate these changes, make them consistent and long-term,” — concluded Fesenko.

To summarize, the current situation requires concrete security guarantees for Ukraine and active involvement of Europe and the USA in supporting the country in the context of the threat from Russia.