SECURITY GUARANTEES ON THE TABLE
Zelenskyy said a “solid basis” already exists for guarantees in case of a ceasefire, citing bilateral agreements such as one signed with Denmark. He reiterated that Ukraine’s future security must be based on NATO’s Article 5 mutual defence principle, even if formal membership is off the table.
Kyiv is pressing for NATO-style guarantees and a European peacekeeping force to deter Russia from fresh attacks if a deal is reached. Macron has said contributions from coalition members could centre on training, financing and equipping Ukraine’s army, as well as a potential “reassurance force” in neighbouring countries.
TRUMP FRUSTRATED BY SLOW PROGRESS
Trump, who campaigned on promises to swiftly end the war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has voiced frustration at the lack of progress.
“I have no message to President Putin,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. “He knows where I stand and he’ll make a decision one way or another. Whatever his decision is, we’ll either be happy about it or unhappy about it and if we’re unhappy about it, you’ll see things happen.”
Trump did not elaborate on possible actions but has hinted at imposing further sanctions on Moscow. He also admitted that resolving the war had proven harder than he expected: “I thought that that would be much easier. Sometimes you never know with war.”
Source: CNA
