Decisive days for Ukraine! US gives Kiev several days to decide on security guarantees

The US is offering Ukraine security guarantees similar to those it would receive within NATO, but has made it clear that the agreement must be agreed by Christmas, otherwise the conditions could deteriorate, writes the American editorial board of Politico.

"At the heart of this agreement are really very strong guarantees, similar to Article 5. These guarantees will not work forever. "They are being discussed right now, if a mutually acceptable agreement is reached," a senior US official said.

It is noted that the US expects Russia to accept such an agreement as part of the final agreement, as well as to allow Ukraine to join the European Union.

"We believe that in the final agreement Russia will accept all these conditions that will allow Ukraine to become a strong and free country. Russia has made it clear that it is not against Ukraine joining the EU," a second US official commented.

According to him, the Ukrainian delegation was pleasantly "surprised" from Trump's willingness to agree to stronger security guarantees and ratify them in Congress to remain in force after the end of Donald Trump's presidential term.

The American side also highly appreciates its European colleagues, who for several months worried that the US president's team would force Ukraine to agree to unfavorable terms.

One of the American officials commented that the negotiations focused on very specific territorial issues. He added that a proposal is currently being developed, but not yet finally agreed, for Russia and Ukraine to divide control of the "Zaporizhia" nuclear power plant. In this case, each country would have access to half of the energy produced by the "Zaporizhia" nuclear power plant.

After Zelensky responds to the proposals, Witkoff and Kushner will discuss this issue with Russia. The official noted:

"We are very pleased with the progress made, especially on the issue of territories“.

It is noted that the US will further convene working groups, possibly in Miami over the weekend, where military officials will carefully study maps to resolve remaining territorial issues.