Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that any enduring peace agreement with Russia must be underpinned by reliable security guarantees to deter future attacks, strikes, or hybrid operations.
In an X post, 2026, accompanied by a video statement, Zelenskyy declared: “Reliable security guarantees are the only real foundation for peace and for preventing the Russians from breaking agreements through strikes or hybrid operation of some kind.”
He continued: “There are no countries left in Europe that do not know what Russian interference is and what Russian destabilization operations can look like. Everyone also sees what Russian murderers, Russian missiles, and Russian drones are doing. Protection from this and ensuring security must be tangible and lay the groundwork for a lasting peace.” This statement comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts and persistent Russian missile/drone barrages on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure.
Zelenskyy’s position emphasizes that security guarantees—primarily from the United States, but involving a broader Coalition of the Willing—must precede or accompany any ceasefire or territorial framework. Ukrainian officials have described the bilateral U.S.-Ukraine security agreement as “100% ready” or essentially finalized for signature, covering air defense, military support, reconstruction, monitoring of any ceasefire, and mechanisms to prevent renewed Russian aggression.
However, the U.S. side under President Trump reportedly prefers signing it concurrently with the overall peace package, while pushing for a deal by early summer (June 2026) ahead of U.S. midterm elections.
Recent trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi with U.S. and Russian delegations addressed territorial disputes (especially remaining Ukrainian-held areas in Donbas), de-escalation steps (such as pauses on energy infrastructure strikes), prisoner exchanges, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Progress has been limited, with fundamental differences persisting; Russia continues demanding further Ukrainian withdrawals. Zelenskyy’s negotiating team—led by figures including Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, Andrii Hnatov, and others—has been actively shuttling between venues.
Zelenskyy has maintained a busy schedule of high-level meetings with foreign leaders to build support. In early February 2026 alone, he hosted France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, discussing expanded air defense, Mirage and Rafale aircraft, and joint European projects. He also met Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on energy, defense aid, sanctions against Russian oil tankers, and the EU’s 20th sanctions package. Additional engagements included OSCE officials from Switzerland and preparations for upcoming trilateral talks, potentially in the United States. Earlier efforts involved Paris discussions, U.S. representatives (including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner), and the Coalition of the Willing’s national security advisors.
Despite de-escalation proposals and increased Russian strike packages during cold weather, Zelenskyy stresses verifiable, enforceable guarantees—including potential international contingents (non-NATO troops in some proposals), strengthened Ukrainian forces, co-production of weapons, and sustained pressure via sanctions—to restore trust.
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