Ukraine and Partners Move Closer to Peace Agreement: Key Condition - Security Guarantees.

According to ТСН: Ukraine's negotiations with the United States and European partners are advancing towards a possible peace agreement with Russia. At the same time, Kyiv emphasizes that no document will be meaningful without clear and effective security guarantees for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that peace is only possible if Ukraine receives a reliable mechanism for protection against renewed aggression from Russia.

The issue of security remains key in negotiations. It is still unclear which countries are willing to provide protection for Ukraine in the event of a new attack and how these guarantees can be implemented in practice.

Consultations with International Advisors

On January 3, 18 national security advisors from partner countries arrived in Ukraine to participate in discussions on a peace plan, security guarantees system, and the country's recovery plan.

According to Zelensky, work on key documents - security guarantees, economic recovery, and phased cessation of hostilities - is progressing rapidly.

The President hopes that the main points can be agreed upon as early as January. Negotiations with the 'coalition of willing' will continue in the coming days, with further meetings with U.S. representatives.

Lessons from the Past

Ukraine's desire for reliable security guarantees is rooted in negative experiences, particularly the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, when Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for assurances from Russia, the U.S., and the UK.

This document did not provide specific obligations regarding military assistance, which, according to Ukrainian officials, allowed Russia to act with impunity, beginning its aggression in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea.

Security Guarantees

The peace plan under discussion includes the possibility of providing Ukraine with security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5 — the principle of collective defense. Potential guarantors could include the U.S., NATO, and individual European countries.

It is planned to maintain the Armed Forces of Ukraine at a level of approximately 800,000 military personnel in peacetime with financial support from partners, conclude a bilateral security agreement with the U.S., and obtain Ukraine's membership in the European Union.

Consideration is being given to the participation of European states in the 'coalition of willing,' where some countries have already expressed readiness to deploy their troops in Ukraine. A key issue remains what specific commitments European states can take on and by what deadlines.

Ukraine insists that without clear, legally binding security guarantees, any peace agreement risks remaining just a piece of paper.

It is expected that Ukraine's European allies will prepare security guarantee plans following the announcement of a ceasefire. In January, the 'coalition of willing' led by France and the UK is to finalize the details of long-term support for Kyiv, including possible troop deployments, financial assistance, and arms supplies. European capitals are also awaiting an official response from Moscow regarding the 20-point plan for ending the war.

In the current situation, it is vital to understand that the subsequent actions of allies and Ukraine's ability to obtain reliable security guarantees can significantly impact the stability of the region. Negotiations and consultations within the 'coalition of willing' remain crucial for achieving a secure world for Ukraine and ending the conflict.