U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed, during a summit with President Donald Trump, to allow the U.S. and European allies to offer NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal.
Witkoff told CNN that the concessions represent a major breakthrough, allowing the U.S. to provide protections similar to Article 5 of NATO, which obligates all members to defend one another against armed attacks. He noted this is the first time Putin has agreed to such terms.
Key points from the summit:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for its willingness to support security guarantees but emphasized that many details—such as the exact roles of the U.S., Europe, and the EU—remain unclear.
- The EU, represented by Ursula von der Leyen, expressed readiness to contribute to these guarantees.
- Russia has indicated it will make legal commitments not to seize additional territory in Ukraine.
- Witkoff defended Trump’s decision to drop the immediate ceasefire demand, explaining that progress toward a full peace agreement had been significant.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that there would be consequences if the conflict continues without a peace settlement, while stressing diplomacy is being pursued to avoid further escalation.
Following the summit, Trump is scheduled to meet Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday, accompanied by key European leaders, to discuss the next steps toward a comprehensive peace agreement. Analysts note that Putin’s strategy of favoring long-term negotiations over a quick ceasefire gives Russia additional time to strengthen its battlefield position.
