Europe to provide Ukraine with security guarantees: US provides no security guarantees but seeks money

In a joint statement issued by European leader in Berlin, European leaders have pledged security guarantees to Ukraine in their counter-proposal to the US-Kremlin Pact on Ukraine.  The United States of America will not be pledging security guarantees to Ukraine but seems to obtain investment opportunities after Ukraine capitulates. Jared Kushner was present in Berlin along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

The statement was signed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, EU Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President President Ursula von der Leyen. 

The statement proposes Ukraine’s army to be capped at 800,000 personnel and that a multi-national force comprised of European nations should be present in Ukraine to defend its borders and its skies. The statement also says that Russian assets will remain immobilised. Ukraine will also be allowed to join the European Union.

In a separate statement, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the US delegation should withdraw several proposed points from its plan including those relating to territorial concessions. However, President Zelensky stated that details about the military set-up looks solid.

In a public statement made yesterday, the new MI6 Chief stated that pressure on Russia should be kept as Russia’s belligerent and hybrid threats are increasing.

The EU is to set-up a special commission to help Ukraine seek financial damages and claims from frozen Russian assets at the International Criminal Court.

Maltese Herald

Newsroom