Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, met with Ukrainian President Zelensky and other European leaders, offering a security commitment. Trump stated that the U.S. would be responsible for Ukraine’s security instead of NATO, a statement that has drawn a negative response from Russia. The Russian state-controlled media, RT, has questioned Trump’s statement and the reasons behind it.
Trump’s remarks suggest that instead of NATO membership, the U.S. and its European partners would provide security assurances to Ukraine. This statement came shortly after Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska, where discussions about a new strategy for Ukraine took place.
Trump proposed providing Ukraine with security guarantees similar to Article 5 of NATO, but without formal NATO membership. This means the U.S. and its allies would assist Ukraine in the event of an attack, though not under the full scope of NATO’s rules. Trump also mentioned that the U.S. would sell weapons to NATO, which could then decide to supply them to Ukraine.
Zelensky has expressed that Ukraine’s security depends on the U.S. and the leaders present. He wants to end the war, and welcomed the U.S.’s willingness to provide security guarantees. A trilateral meeting is planned to address all sensitive issues, which President Trump is expected to arrange. Ukraine is willing to end the conflict and seeks the return of its citizens.