international_relations

Where Are Russia's Deterrence Guarantees?.. Zelensky: I Have Not Received an Answer

December 18, 2025 alarabiya.net
Where Are Russia's Deterrence Guarantees?.. Zelensky: I Have Not Received an Answer

Zelensky urges the United States to clarify security guarantees for Ukraine in peace talks with Russia.

SUMMARY

Ukrainian President Zelensky calls on the United States to provide clearer details on security guarantees for Ukraine in talks aimed at ending the war with Russia, stressing the need for a European decision on using frozen Russian assets to finance his country, amid ongoing disputes over the future of the Donbas region.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Zelensky calls on the United States to clarify security guarantees for Ukraine.
  • Ukraine needs a European decision on the use of frozen Russian assets before the end of the year.
  • Talks focused on security guarantees and the future of the Donbas region.
  • Ukraine may face liquidity shortages starting from the first quarter of 2026 if no agreement is reached.

CORE SUBJECT

Security guarantees for Ukraine in talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the United States on Thursday to provide more details regarding security guarantees for Ukraine as part of talks aimed at ending the war with Russia.

"Security Guarantees"

Zelensky said at a press conference in Brussels, "There is a question I have not yet received an answer to... it is a question about the overall security guarantees."

He also indicated that he wants to know what the United States would do if Russia commits another aggression.

He emphasized that his country needs a European decision on the use of frozen Russian assets before the end of the year.

This came after the Ukrainian president confirmed that Kyiv would face major problems if European leaders fail to reach an agreement on using Russian assets to finance Ukraine.

If no agreement is reached, he confirmed that Ukraine will lack liquidity starting from the first quarter of 2026.

Peace Plan

It is worth noting that the United States concluded two days of talks with Ukrainian and European negotiators in Berlin, followed by further discussions among European leaders, all ending with positive indications regarding a future peace agreement.

The talks also focused on security guarantees for Ukraine to deter any potential Russian intervention in the future, a matter which, despite positive statements, remains a major point of contention in negotiations with Moscow.

The other main obstacle is the future of the Ukrainian Donbas region, which Russia demands Kyiv to cede control over as a condition for completing the agreement.

KEYWORDS

Zelensky United States security guarantees Ukraine Russia peace talks Russian assets Donbas

MENTIONED ENTITIES 6

Volodymyr Zelensky

👤 Person_Male

Ukrainian President

United States

📍 Location_Country

Country requested to provide details on security guarantees

Russia

📍 Location_Country

The other party in the war with Ukraine

Donbas

📍 Location_City

Ukrainian region disputed with Russia

Brussels

📍 Location_City

Location of Zelensky's press conference

Berlin

📍 Location_City

Location of talks between Ukrainian and European negotiators