“Significant U-turn” – Zelensky now talks about security guarantees for Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shown himself open to discussing Russian demands for security guarantees as part of a future peace settlement. The “Financial Times” sees his comments as a “significant about-face.” However, Zelensky made it clear that the war must first be ended and Ukraine's security guaranteed.

“First we must resolve the issue of this war and only then look for answers to the questions that Russia raises based on its own ideas and expectations of security,” Zelenskyy told reporters in Kiev. This does not involve agreeing to specific Russian demands.

So far, Ukraine and its Western partners have rejected Moscow's demands for security commitments and a fundamental reorganization of the European security architecture. They see this as an attempt to restore a Russian sphere of influence and limit the sovereignty of neighboring states.

Delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the USA are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of November. US President Donald Trump has promised an imminent meeting between Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin and him.

Zelensky insists on European participation

Zelenskyj described the planned talks as technical discussions on possible steps for de-escalation. These included a ceasefire on attacks on energy facilities and at sea as well as security guarantees for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that Europe must be involved in negotiations about the security order after the war. Kyiv could discuss fundamental questions with Moscow through American mediation. But as soon as it comes to guarantees that require European participation, Europe must also be at the negotiating table.

Zelensky's comments followed a phone call between Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre with Kremlin leader Putin. Zelensky said he spoke to both of them the evening before and immediately after the conversation. Stubb and Støre had the impression that Moscow was taking the planned three-way talks seriously.

Talks about demilitarized zone possible

At the same time, Zelensky expressed concern about the rapprochement between Washington and Moscow. Russia wants to offer the United States a kind of “economic marriage,” he said.

According to the Financial Times, American and Russian negotiators are discussing possible joint deals. These included cooperation between major oil companies, the reopening of Russian airspace to American airlines and renewed cooperation in the production and supply of titanium. According to informed people, such agreements should only be implemented after the end of the war.

Zelensky said the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska last year ended Russia's diplomatic isolation. He fears that the recent diesel deal between the USA and Russia could be followed by further agreements.

He had received indications of a possible reduction in American troops in Europe. “In my view, security guarantees for Russia – as Russia understands them – mean a change in the security framework in Europe and the world,” he said.

Regarding territorial issues, Zelensky insisted that they could only be negotiated at the level of heads of state and government. Ukraine was also ready to discuss an American proposal for a demilitarized zone on both sides of the front.