US and Europe, could directly offer Article Five-like security guarantees for Ukraine - Witkoff

STEVE Witkoff, Donald Trump's special envoy to Russia, told Fox News on Sunday (August 17) that the U.S. and European countries could offer Article-Five like security guarantees for Ukraine outside of NATO as part of a peace deal with Russia.

AI Brief

Putin firmly opposes Ukraine's NATO membership, citing mutual defense obligations.
Trump's summit with Putin produced minimal progress but hinted at possible US security guarantees.
Zelenskiy and European leaders will meet Trump to push for peace talks following Putin-Zelenskiy discussions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out Ukraine becoming a member of NATO. Article 5 of the alliance's charter is a mutual defense pact obliging allies to defend a member from attacks.

Witkoff heralded the possible security guarantees as a major achievement from U.S. President Trump’s summit on Friday (August 15) with Putin, which were widely seen as producing little movement in negotiations.

European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, seeking to bolster him as the president presses Ukraine to accept a quick peace deal after meeting Putin on Friday.