Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed to allow Ukraine’s allies to offer NATO-like security guarantees as part of a potential agreement to end the ongoing war. This significant concession was confirmed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who shared that the Russian president made this commitment during a meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska. Witkoff described this development as a ‘game-changer’ for Ukraine’s aspirations regarding NATO membership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the news during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, stating that this represents a historic decision for security guarantees for Ukraine. He outlined the necessity for practical protections encompassing land, air, and sea, highlighting the importance of European involvement in these efforts.

Simultaneously, Zelenskyy and von der Leyen joined a coalition of European leaders set to discuss ongoing peacekeeping efforts. Key figures such as UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to attend talks at the White House, aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s position in negotiations.

Reports indicate that Putin has made territorial demands, notably for control over the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. In exchange for these territories, sources suggest that Russia would relinquish other areas currently occupied by its forces. While the specifics of any agreement remain contentious, the Ukrainian leadership has previously stated that ceding territorial land would be unconstitutional and detrimental to Ukraine’s defence.