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By Hannah Parry
Associate News Editor
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and Donald Trump have reached an agreement on postwar U.S. security guarantees for his country, following their meeting in Davos on Thursday.
Zelensky told reporters that a document on the guarantees was "finished" and just needed to be "signed by the sides, by the presidents, and then will go to national parliaments."
However, he said those guarantees would only come into play "after the war will stop."
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Why It Matters
Zelensky has long argued that Ukrainian sovereignty depends on credible security commitments to prevent another invasion.
He has pointed to past guarantees that did not hold, including the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in exchange for assurances from several powers, including the United States and Russia, which were violated when Russia annexed Crimea and invaded in 2022.
What To Know
Zelensky was speaking after his meeting with Trump and several senior members of the administration, which he described as “productive and meaningful."
The Ukrainian president did not outline all specific terms, but said the agreement, when ratified by both countries’ governments, would be a key element of a potential peace framework aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion. He also stressed that while security guarantees were being finalized, territorial issues with Russia remain unresolved.
Zelensky also took aim at Europe in his comments, accusing leaders of having no "political will" and contrasting the European Union and NATO's slow response to Russia with Trump's decisive action in Venezuela.
What Are Security Guarantees?
Security guarantees are formal commitments by other countries to protect Ukraine from future aggression, including potential military support if Russia attacks again. Zelensky said these guarantees are meant to ensure Ukraine no longer has to live in fear that the war could restart.
Unlike full NATO membership, these guarantees would likely be bilateral or multilateral pledges by various partners to uphold Ukraine’s security, without committing Ukraine to an alliance treaty.
What Did Zelensky Say About Europe?
In the same Davos address, Zelensky sharply criticized European allies for their slow and fragmented support.
“Europe looks lost,” he said, urging the continent to build a stronger, unified political voice rather than being reactive.
He compared repeated calls for support to the movie Groundhog Day, saying, “Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words: Europe needs to know how to defend itself. A year has passed. And nothing has changed.”
When Did the Russia-Ukraine War Start?
The Russia-Ukraine war entered a new phase in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That attack marked a dramatic escalation of hostilities that began with the 2014 annexation of Crimea and conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Is Russia Still at War With Ukraine?
Despite diplomatic efforts and discussions on peace frameworks, Russian military actions continue, including recent airstrikes that have inflicted civilian harm and damaged Ukraine’s infrastructure.
What People Are Saying
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a speech at Davos: “Russians have to be ready for compromises because, you know, everybody has to be ready, not only Ukraine."
U.S. President Donald Trump said at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday: "I think Russia wants to make a deal, I think Ukraine wants to make a deal. And we're going to try getting a deal done...I believe they're at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done. And if they don't, they're stupid. That goes for both of them. And I know they're not stupid. But if they don't get this done, they are stupid...You got to get this deal done. Too many people are dying. It's not worth it."
What Happens Next
Zelensky said there would be two days of trilateral meetings between the U.S., Ukraine and Russia in the Emirates, starting Friday.
Update 1/22/26, 2:26 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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