Zelenskyy rejected security guarantees from Russia

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the idea of "security guarantees" from Russia. He emphasized that the guarantors should be those countries trusted by the Ukrainian people.

This was stated by the president during a press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

As is known, Ukraine, the USA, and European partners are currently developing security guarantees that will serve as a safeguard in case Russia considers attacking Ukraine again. At the same time, statements have come from Moscow claiming that Russia should also be a guarantor.

In this regard, Zelenskyy was asked what security guarantees should look like and what guarantees should come from Russia. However, the president noted that our country already had experience with the "Budapest Memorandum," where Russia was also a guarantor but violated its promises and started a war.

"Therefore, we are not talking about security guarantees from the Russian Federation. We are talking about security guarantees that will protect us from the Russian Federation, from its aggression or the repetition of full-scale aggressive actions in the future," Zelenskyy stated.

The president noted that the guarantors should be a group of countries trusted by the Ukrainian people. Specifically, those countries that have been helping us since the beginning of the full-scale war.

"For example, countries that imposed sanctions for aggression. Countries that provided weapons. Countries that offered humanitarian support. Countries that strengthened us during energy blackouts. Countries that help return our children and people from captivity. So, many things. And, undoubtedly, number one – countries capable of protecting Ukraine," the head of state said.

Zelenskyy emphasized that there must be protection in the sky, at sea, and on land. At the same time, the president noted that part of the security guarantees should be taken on by a strong Ukrainian army.

"It’s too early to talk about this (deployment of troops on the ground – ed.). First, the infrastructure will be prepared, and, of course, the Ukrainian army will play an important role in this infrastructure. So, part of the security guarantees should be the strength of the Ukrainian army, a large Ukrainian army, domestic production, all these capabilities, and financial capabilities as well," Zelenskyy concluded.