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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that meaningful progress in peace negotiations is only possible if Ukraine receives clear, legally binding, and robust security guarantees, UATV English reports.
Speaking during a discussion at the Munich Security Conference, Sybiha stressed that such guarantees must include U.S. support, elements of an international military presence, EU membership, a strong Ukrainian army, and sustained sanctions pressure on Russia.
“It is very difficult to imagine real progress in peace efforts without clarity, without confidence, without a clear understanding of security guarantee packages. We must bring the peace process to completion, and security guarantees are an integral element of it,” Sybiha said.
According to him, the key aspects are the legal nature of future guarantees, their strength, and consistent implementation. In this context, he noted that Ukraine has already received confirmation from the United States of its readiness to ratify relevant agreements in Congress.
“This is fundamental for us,” the foreign minister emphasized.
Sybiha also outlined other components of a future security architecture. These include a potential “boots on the ground” presence under a Coalition of the Willing format. He noted that the U.S. side has directly stated it is not prepared to deploy its own troops to Ukraine.
“They have other ways to support us and ensure our security. But the presence of troops on the ground with an American backstop — that is, U.S. guarantees in case of a threat — is also a fundamental second element of the future security architecture,” he said.
Another pillar of security guarantees, Sybiha noted, is Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. He also stressed the decisive role of a strong Ukrainian army, the development of the defense-industrial complex, and the strengthening of air defense capabilities, particularly the interception of ballistic missiles.
On sanctions policy, Sybiha said Ukraine expects the adoption of a 20th sanctions package against Russia, which he described as needing to be “truly powerful and painful.” He also expressed hope that European partners would join U.S. sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, and consider banning visas for participants in Russian aggression and their family members.
Responding to a question about potential concessions in exchange for U.S. security guarantees, the minister underlined that Ukraine would not make any decisions at the expense of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“The recipe for ending the war is very simple — U.S. engagement and leadership, raising the cost of continued aggression for Russia, personally for Putin and his regime. That means sanctions, isolation, and confiscation of frozen Russian assets, as well as a deterrence package for Ukraine, strengthening our defense capabilities and army,” Sybiha stated, adding that both Putin and Russians must feel the consequences of escalating aggression.
