Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Kyiv may accept long-term security guarantees from the United States and European partners as a substitute for NATO membership. The remarks reflect a shift in tone as Ukraine adapts its strategy amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Russia’s nearly four-year-long invasion.

Zelensky made the comments following a marathon meeting in Berlin with a US delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside senior European national security officials. The discussions reportedly focused on a detailed 20-point peace framework, economic cooperation, and security arrangements, with talks expected to continue.

For years, Ukraine has viewed NATO membership as the ultimate safeguard against future Russian aggression. However, reluctance from Washington and some European allies has prompted Kyiv to explore alternative models, including bilateral security agreements with the US that mirror NATO’s collective defense commitments, along with guarantees from countries such as Canada and Japan.

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Zelensky emphasized that any agreement must translate into enforceable security assurances, not symbolic commitments. He stressed that a viable peace plan must ensure Russia cannot restart hostilities after an agreement is signed, while acknowledging that the proposed roadmap may not satisfy all parties involved.

Russia has already criticized Ukraine and European involvement in shaping peace proposals, with Moscow reiterating that territorial issues—particularly Crimea—remain non-negotiable. Despite these challenges, European leaders have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the current talks represent the most serious diplomatic effort seen so far to resolve the conflict.

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