Vladimir Putin has agreed to allow Ukraine’s allies to offer it NATO-like security guarantees, a crucial step toward a potential deal to end the ongoing war, according to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. This significant concession was reportedly made during a meeting between Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday. Witkoff shared that the agreement would allow the U.S. to offer Article 5-like protection, a key feature of NATO, which promises collective defense against any armed attack. Russia has long opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership and rejected the idea of NATO peacekeepers in the region under a ceasefire arrangement.
👉 Follow Republic Policy on YouTube
The development was hailed as “game-changing” by Witkoff, who had previously discussed ending the war with Putin. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, calling the U.S. security guarantee a historic decision. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for practical protection across land, air, and sea, with European involvement in these guarantees. Von der Leyen pledged the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
👉 Follow Republic Policy on X / Twitter
The political landscape is shifting as key European leaders, including the U.K.’s Sir Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, prepare for crucial talks in Washington, where Zelenskyy is expected to meet Trump. Reports suggest that Putin has demanded control over Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions as part of any peace deal, a condition that could lead to Russia relinquishing other occupied territories. Zelenskyy, however, has rejected the idea of ceding any Ukrainian land, citing constitutional limitations and concerns about further Russian aggression.
👉 Follow Republic Policy on Instagram
European leaders have emphasized that Zelenskyy must be central to any future peace talks, highlighting that true peace can only be achieved with Ukraine’s active participation.
