US seeks Ukraine peace deal before offering security guarantees: Report

By Seyit Kurt

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US wants a peace agreement to be reached before it provides long-term security guarantees to Ukraine, Politico reported on Wednesday, citing European diplomats and individuals familiar with recent discussions.

According to the sources, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told European counterparts during a call on Tuesday that President Donald Trump intends to negotiate long-term assurances to ensure Ukraine’s security, but only once a deal is in place.

Ukraine has long viewed Western security guarantees as a key condition for any potential settlement with Russia, though NATO members have struggled to define what form such support would take in the future.

Rubio also emphasized that security guarantees remain a priority for the administration and should be finalized quickly as part of a broader package. He reportedly raised the issue during talks in Geneva last weekend but offered no additional details in a later call with British and French officials.

Diplomats added that other issues expected to be addressed after a deal include Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the status of frozen Russian assets.

- Washington rejects characterization of Rubio’s remarks

The US State Department dismissed the portrayal of Rubio’s statements.

“Secretary Rubio, along with the entire Trump administration, has clearly underscored that security guarantees would need to be part of any peace deal, as he has consistently outlined in both public and private,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

The White House also affirmed that a future settlement should provide Ukraine with comprehensive and reliable security guarantees.

“The Trump administration has repeatedly affirmed, publicly and privately, that any deal must provide full security guarantees and deterrence for Ukraine,” spokesperson Anna Kelly said.