When asked whether security guarantees for Ukraine could include U.S. troops stationed there, one Trump adviser responded affirmatively. Another source noted that the matter remains unclear, adding, “We won’t negotiate in the press.”
On Aug. 17, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that during the Alaska summit, Russian officials agreed for the first time to security guarantees for Ukraine resembling NATO’s Article 5.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
CNN, citing European government sources, reported that parts of the Aug. 16 discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders, and U.S. President Donald Trump focused on security guarantees for Ukraine similar to NATO’s Article 5, in the event of a peace agreement with Russia, the aggressor state.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a “coalition of the resolute” would work with the United States on these guarantees.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the proposal is based on collective security, enabling Kyiv to gain support from all partners, including the United States, willing to act in case of a new attack.
“President Trump today endorsed Italy’s idea of security guarantees inspired by NATO’s Article 5,” Meloni said.
“The starting point is defining a collective security provision that allows Ukraine to benefit from the support of all its partners, including the United States, ready to take action in the event of a new attack.”
On Aug. 17, co-chairs of the “coalition of the willing,” following an online meeting with Zelenskyy, issued a statement emphasizing their readiness to deploy support forces after the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas.
Article 5 of the NATO Charter (Washington Treaty of 1949) establishes the principle of collective defense, stating that an attack on one or more NATO members is considered an attack on all. In such cases, each member country is obliged to assist the attacked ally, including, if necessary, the use of armed forces to restore and maintain security.