Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed to provide security guarantees for Ukraine during a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, according to American official Steve Witkoff, who participated in the talks.
The agreement, described as a “game changer” by U.S. sources, would allow Ukraine to receive collective defense support from the United States and European countries if Russia attempts an invasion, similar to NATO’s Article 5 protections. Witkoff noted this was the first time Russian officials had agreed to such terms.
“The U.S. could offer protection similar to Article 5, which is one of the main reasons Ukraine wants NATO membership,” Witkoff told CNN.
The announcement follows comments from Trump, who stated that Ukraine would not regain control of the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014, and cannot join NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, arriving in Washington, emphasized his desire to end the war with Russia quickly and securely, seeking a lasting peace.
This development signals a significant shift in Russia’s stance, potentially allowing Ukraine to gain military protection without formal NATO membership, though details of how the guarantees will operate remain limited.
