‘We Are Ready to Sign’: Zelensky Says US Security Guarantees Are Finalized as Donbas Remains Key Issue
AI Analysis
Ukraine has finalized a security guarantees agreement with the United States, with air defense and long-term security being central themes. Discussions on the Donbas and postwar economic recovery remain ongoing, with trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia set to take place in Abu Dhabi.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine and the US have finalized a security guarantees agreement, pending ratification by both nations.
- Air defense systems and long-term security are key priorities in the agreement.
- Trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia will address the Donbas conflict in Abu Dhabi.
- Ukraine is negotiating a 'prosperity package' to support postwar recovery, focusing on transparent financing.
- The finalized security guarantees are described as a historic document by President Zelensky.
Why It Matters
The finalized security guarantees between Ukraine and the US could enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities, which are critical in countering drone and missile threats from Russia. The inclusion of air defense as a priority highlights the strategic importance of counter-UAS systems in modern warfare, particularly in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that Ukraine has finalized a security guarantees agreement with the United States, calling it a potentially historic document, while broader economic “prosperity” agreements remain under negotiation due to unresolved funding details.
Speaking to journalists via a messaging app on Jan. 23, Zelensky responded to comments earlier by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who said only one issue remained between Ukrainian and US negotiators.
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Zelensky confirmed that recent talks with Donald Trump and his team were positive, with air defense and long-term security emerging as central themes.
“We did indeed have a positive meeting with President Trump and his team,” Zelensky said.
“First of all, I raised the issue of air defense, and I believe the United States will return with a positive result. When that result is in Ukraine, I will definitely announce it.”
Zelensky said Ukraine’s security guarantees are complete and ready for signing, stressing that the timing and venue now depend on Washington.
“The security guarantees are finalized. That’s it,” he said.
“Once again, it depends on the American side. When and where they are ready, we are ready. I am confident this is a historic document.”
He cautioned that the agreement will require ratification by both the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament and will be followed by additional technical documents.
He also said discussions on the Donbas remain among the most sensitive issues and will continue in a three-party format, with talks taking place in Abu Dhabi. Zelensky said he has been in constant contact with Ukraine’s negotiating team, including overnight conversations, and pledged to keep the public informed as talks progress.
Earlier, Zelensky also said that negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the US would hold trilateral meetings for the first time in Abu Dhabi later this week.
Witkoff on Thursday described negotiations between Kyiv and Washington as being in their “final stage,” expressing optimism that remaining issues can be resolved if all sides are willing to move forward.
On the economic track, Zelensky said talks on a so-called prosperity package – intended to underpin Ukraine’s postwar recovery – are ongoing and require further work.
“For us, the prosperity package is extremely important,” he said. “It is a set of documents, and it is crucial to clearly understand the sources of financing. They must be transparent, because Ukraine’s reconstruction in the coming years will be built on this foundation.”
Zelensky added that clarity is essential not only for Ukraine’s current negotiating team but also for future governments and international partners, so all sides understand what resources Ukraine can realistically count on.
Kateryna investigates today's most important topics, from geopolitical challenges and defense strategies to stories that change the course of events. She explores the secrets of Ukraine's intelligence services and shows the hidden side of global events. Her passion is uncovering secrets that change history. Born and lives in Kyiv.