For many months, the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine remains unanswered. In spite of the pressure of Donald Trumpthe president Volodimir Zelenski It reiterates that any agreement with Moscow should be accompanied by strong guarantees – comparable to Article 5 of NATO. But among promises and contradictions, Europe finds it difficult to agree, according to Politico’s analysis.
During their meeting on Monday (18.08.2025), Donald Trump assured Volodimir Zelenski and the Europeans that Ukraine would benefit from “Article 5 type protections”, without specifying the details. On Tuesday, the allies of Kiev’s allies dealt with the issue, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio set up a committee with Ukrainian and European officials to try to determine a framework.
Many words, few acts
London has announced new discussions “in the coming days” to enhance security guarantees and prepare a “assurance” force if hostilities stop. Emmanuel Macron also said that Europe is ready to deploy “in the air, at sea and land”.
But behind the big words, the gaps remain, explains Politico. Which country will send troops? Under what conditions? And above all, what will happen if they are attacked? The United States, however, has already closed the door: “No US soldier in Ukraine,” the White House clarified.
Divided and weakened Europe
Paris and London want to appear as leaders, but their economic and political difficulties fuel skepticism. Germany hesitates: Bundestag should approve any troops, while the army does not have the necessary means. Even a limited growth would be a challenge.
Turkey, with its experience in the Black Sea, could play a key role, but Athens and Nicosia refuse to allow Ankara to have access to European defense funds. Poland, despite having the largest EU army, excludes the mission of soldiers to Ukrainian territory, citing its borders with Russia and Belarus. Rome also appears cautious: Georgia Meloni prefers a defensive pact rather than a dangerous military role.
A deadlock that continues
Moscow, for its part, warns of every NATO presence in Ukraine, denouncing an “uncontrolled escalation”. Kiev, however, bitterly remembers the promises that were not met with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which proved to be useless against Russian attacks.
In fact, the discussion is not new. The same questions were already raised in 2023, before the Vilnius meeting. Two years later, nothing has changed essentially: many discussions, few solutions, and a common denominator for many European diplomats – the deadlock remains complete.