Ukraine has received information from the United States that legally binding security guarantees could be submitted to the US Congress for ratification, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on 13 February.
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said these guarantees would be legally enforceable commitments rather than political assurances, marking the first time in Ukraine’s history that such a framework is being pursued. He added that a draft bilateral agreement is nearly complete.
US military "backstop" as second pillar
Sybiha also emphasized the role of the United States in a broader European security architecture. He described a US military presence with a “backstop” as a second key element, saying, “Without a role for the US, an effective security system in Europe is not possible.”
Guarantees aimed at ending the war - and preventing the next one
Security guarantees from Ukraine’s partners are intended to take effect in the event of a ceasefire and are aimed at preventing renewed Russian attacks after active fighting stops. Ukrainian officials have said such commitments are meant to create conditions to end the war and deter another phase of hostilities.
However, the prospect of a ceasefire remains uncertain, as it would require Russia’s agreement. Moscow has so far shown no public readiness to halt its military operations.
In late January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the bilateral document on US security guarantees was fully prepared and would require ratification by both the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament. He said concrete guarantees are needed to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and prevent another war.
