Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed recent comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky indicated that the U.S. links the provision of such guarantees to the conclusion of the war and the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region.
In statements to reporters, Zelensky refuted Rubio’s assertion that he misrepresented U.S. intentions, emphasizing that Ukraine had sought security guarantees prior to the end of hostilities. However, he noted that the U.S. has maintained that these guarantees could only be offered after the fighting ceases.
“It is stated clearly that we can receive guarantees directly from the United States, not before a ceasefire or the end of the war, but after our troops withdraw from Donbas, which is a condition for ending the war. Only in this format can we receive security guarantees from the United States,” he remarked.
Zelensky further clarified that this situation does not reflect pressure from the U.S., but rather the realities of the negotiation process. He pointed out that the aggressor in the conflict is evident and that the conditions for ending the war are understood by all parties involved.
“Everyone sees who the aggressor is in this situation, who is applying pressure, and who is being pressured. It is not necessary to state this loudly. People have the intelligence to analyze the entire situation and understand the reasons behind the current conditions for ending the war,” he added.
The President reiterated that Ukraine remains committed to its own security guarantees, which include arms production, support from European partners, and U.S. programs. He highlighted the ongoing risk of renewed aggression from Russia, underscoring the critical nature of security guarantees.
On March 25, in an interview with Reuters, Zelensky stated that the U.S. proposal for security guarantees is contingent upon the transfer of Donbas to Russia. He expressed concern that, with the U.S. focusing on its own conflict with Iran, President Donald Trump is exerting pressure on Ukraine to expedite the resolution of the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Two days of bilateral talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations took place in Miami on March 21 and 22, aimed at facilitating a peace agreement. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, arrived in Miami on the morning of March 21, including key figures such as Kyrylo Budanov, first deputy head of the Office of the President, and David Arakhamia, head of the parliamentary faction “Servant of the People.”
Following the first day of discussions, Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian team met with representatives of President Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Umerov noted that the meetings focused on aligning approaches for advancing towards practical outcomes.
Earlier statements from the Kremlin indicated that Russia would not participate in further peace talks regarding the conditions for ending the war in the United States.
On the second day of negotiations, Umerov stated that the Ukrainian delegation concentrated on establishing reliable security guarantees and humanitarian issues, including the exchange and return of Ukrainian citizens. Zelensky later indicated that he received a report from the delegation and mentioned positive signals regarding potential exchanges, describing it as a promising development indicating that diplomacy is making progress.
On March 23, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the discussions as “constructive,” focusing on key issues related to establishing a sustainable and reliable security system for Ukraine, as well as vital humanitarian measures in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has clarified the conditions surrounding U.S. security guarantees, linking them to the conclusion of the ongoing conflict. Recent talks in Miami aimed at establishing a peace agreement highlighted the complexities of the negotiation process and ongoing security concerns.