US Envoy: Putin Agrees to NATO-Style Security Guarantees for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed to provisions for “robust” security guarantees for Ukraine as part of potential peace negotiations — a move that could reshape the dynamics of the ongoing war.

According to US envoy Steve Witkoff, the guarantees would include a collective defense arrangement involving the United States and European allies. Under such a plan, if Russia were to invade Ukraine again, Washington and Europe would be obligated to respond — echoing the principle of NATO’s Article 5.

A Workaround to NATO Membership

Witkoff explained that the arrangement was designed as a compromise to Russia’s long-standing opposition to Ukraine joining NATO. Instead of full membership, Ukraine would receive legally binding security commitments. He added that Moscow had signaled readiness to enshrine a pledge — through legislation — not to invade Ukraine or any other European country in future peace agreements.

So far, the Kremlin has made no public mention of such a deal.

Echoes of Trump’s Proposal

The reported framework mirrors proposals discussed over the weekend in calls between former US President Donald Trump and European leaders. European officials confirmed that part of the talks included “Article 5-type” guarantees for Ukraine — but without NATO’s direct involvement.

Article 5 is the cornerstone of NATO’s treaty, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Extending such a principle to Ukraine — even outside NATO — would mark a significant shift in Western security policy.

Skepticism and Reluctance

Trump has previously downplayed Kyiv’s repeated requests for binding security guarantees, warning against commitments that could entangle the US in prolonged conflicts. European powers have floated the idea of a “reassurance force” for Ukraine, but they stress it would require US backing.

For now, Trump has been reluctant to commit US troops or significant resources, leaving questions about how far Washington is willing to go in backing such guarantees.

What It Means

If implemented, the arrangement could offer Ukraine the protection it has long sought, while allowing Russia to claim it blocked NATO expansion. For Europe and the US, it would mean walking a delicate line: protecting Ukraine without formally enlarging NATO.

CNN