President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined three main blocks that should form the basis of security guarantees for Ukraine: strengthening the army, international cooperation with partners, and sanctions pressure on the aggressor.
The President announced this during a briefing, reports a Ukrinform correspondent.
“I will not disclose all the details regarding the components of security guarantees. I believe the following blocks are important for Ukraine. The first is our army,” he said.
Zelensky emphasized that the primary task is to ensure stable funding for the personnel of the Armed Forces, who are currently defending the country’s borders.
He also highlighted the need for continuous provision and supply of weapons.
In this direction, the President noted, three parallel tracks must be maintained and financed, particularly with the help of partners.
“The first track is domestic production—drones, technologies, etc. The second track is European production—air defence, artillery, etc. The third track is American weapons,” he explained.
According to him, Ukraine has already handed the United States a document outlining its defence needs.
“We have done our homework. We have delivered this agreement to America,” the Head of State stressed.
The second key element, Zelensky said, is the system of partnership commitments, which should compensate for the lack of full NATO membership.
“We have always wanted NATO, but for now, let’s say, this opportunity is not being granted. So, if not NATO, we need to understand what our partners are ready to commit to,” he added.
The President stressed that questions of defence support, particularly in the event of a new Russian offensive, must be agreed upon at the level of state leaders, not only military officials or national security advisers.
“Suppose Russia attacks us again. Which partners are ready to do what? Who is ready to support Ukraine in what way? All this needs to be discussed. We must be certain that we are not alone,” Zelensky emphasized.
The third block of security guarantees, he said, concerns sanctions policy.
The President underlined that sanctions must be an integral part of security guarantees and the system of responding to potential threats, since security is not only about defence but also about deterring the aggressor.
He paid special attention to the issue of Russian assets, which should be used for Ukraine’s recovery.
“Russian assets must work for the recovery of our state: energy, communications, etc. This is also part of our security guarantees,” he added.
The Head of State also stressed that Ukraine’s full EU membership is likewise a component of security guarantees, primarily economic ones.
As reported, Zelensky said the day before that the configuration of security guarantees would be put on paper next week.
Photo: Office of the President
Source: Zelensky names three key aspects of security guarantees for Ukraine
