Zelensky Remains Unsure About European Guarantees

The looming presence of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump cast a shadow over the European Union summit in Brussels on Thursday and an earlier meeting of European leaders at NATO headquarters attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump’s impending return to the White House on January 20, according to diplomatic sources in Paris, is a source of anxiety and an additional pressure point prompting Europeans to intensify their deliberations to avoid being cornered into an imposed reality concerning Ukraine.

European leaders summed up their stance with a clear message: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukrainians, and nothing about European security without Europeans.”

The fears are exacerbated by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to negotiate with Trump directly, sidelining the European bloc. European Council President Antonio Costa responded to this concern, stating on Thursday, “Only Ukraine, as the victim of aggression, has the legitimate right to determine what peace means and whether the conditions for credible negotiations have been met.”

European Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, known for her staunch support of Ukraine, warned against premature pressure on Kyiv to negotiate. “We need to remain strong. Syria has shown us that Russia is not invincible,” she remarked.

Zelensky returned from Brussels with promises of €30 billion in European aid for 2025, adding to the €130 billion provided since 2022. However, the Ukrainian president insists on “strong guarantees” before agreeing to negotiate. He emphasized that European guarantees alone are insufficient, stating, “We need unity between the U.S. and the EU to achieve peace, end Putin’s aggression, and save Ukraine.” For him, real guarantees must come from both Europe and the United States.