Zelensky: Security Guarantees Are Essential for Lasting Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again underscored the importance of international unity in the face of Russian aggression, warning that Moscow must not be allowed to mislead global partners about the war. His comments came after a series of high-level phone calls with Western leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Thanks to the United Kingdom
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom following his conversation with Starmer.
“UK support truly matters, and we will never forget the respect the British people have shown for Ukraine and our citizens. Thank you for your support,” he wrote.
London has consistently been one of Kyiv’s strongest backers since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, supplying weapons, training Ukrainian troops, and advocating for increased international pressure on Moscow.
Coordination with NATO
Zelensky also updated followers about his talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to the Ukrainian president, both sides agreed on the necessity of “broad representation” from Europe, the UK, Turkey, and the United States when discussing Ukraine’s security and defense needs.
He noted that he and Rutte had “coordinated our next steps,” highlighting NATO’s continued role in ensuring that Ukraine remains firmly integrated into Western defense structures.
Warning Against Putin’s Tactics
A central theme of Zelensky’s message was his concern that Russia could attempt to manipulate potential peace negotiations to its advantage.
“We cannot allow Putin to deceive everyone again. Before any possible negotiations, all partners must clearly understand that strong security guarantees are the priority for a sustainable peace,” Zelensky posted.
He insisted that without such guarantees, any agreement would risk being a temporary pause rather than a durable solution. “There must be confidence that after a few months or years, Putin will not return with his war,” he added.
Aligning with U.S. Envoys
Zelensky also referred to Rutte’s recent meeting with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg, explaining that the key takeaways from that discussion aligned with Kyiv’s objectives. “The core messages match our goal of achieving guaranteed peace, not just a temporary ceasefire,” Zelensky stressed.
This emphasis reflects Kyiv’s determination to avoid repeating what it views as past mistakes—where ceasefires in the Donbas region between 2014 and 2021 were repeatedly violated by Russia, culminating in the full-scale invasion.
Outlook for Ukraine’s Diplomacy
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks come at a time when debates over potential negotiations have re-emerged internationally. While some voices in Europe and beyond argue for talks to stop the fighting, Zelensky maintains that Ukraine cannot accept any settlement that leaves the country vulnerable to renewed Russian aggression.
By framing his statements around the principle of “security guarantees,” Zelensky is sending a message both to allies and to Moscow: peace cannot be built on illusions or half-measures. For Kyiv, the goal is not merely to silence the guns but to secure a future in which Russia cannot relaunch hostilities at will.
