US Links Security Guarantees For Ukraine To Peace Deal Ceding Donbas

The United States has signalled to Ukraine that any future security guarantees would be conditional on Kyiv agreeing to a peace deal with Russia that likely involves withdrawing from the Donbas region, the Financial Times reported, citing eight people familiar with the talks.

Washington has also suggested it would offer additional weapons to strengthen Ukraine’s postwar military, but only if Kyiv accepts territorial concessions as the price of ending the war, according to two of the sources.

Pressure on Kyiv Intensifies

Ukrainian and European officials described the US stance as an effort to strong-arm Kyiv into accepting Moscow’s long-standing demands. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had hoped to finalise agreements on US security guarantees and a postwar “prosperity plan” as early as this month.

However, Washington is now indicating that its commitments depend on Ukraine reaching an accommodation with Russia. A senior Ukrainian official said it was increasingly unclear whether the US would ultimately sign the guarantees.

“They stop each time the security guarantees can be signed,” the official said.

US Denies Forcing Concessions

The White House rejected claims that it was pressuring Ukraine to give up territory. Anna Kelly, the deputy White House press secretary, said the reports were “totally false,” insisting the US role was limited to bringing both sides together.

Another person familiar with the US position said Washington was not dictating the contents of a peace deal, but maintained that security guarantees would only follow once an agreement was reached between Kyiv and Moscow.

Donbas Remains a Red Line

The Donbas — comprising the Donetsk and Luhansk regions — has been central to Ukraine’s defence since 2014 and remains a political red line for Zelenskyy and much of the Ukrainian public, according to recent polling.

The US has floated proposals for a withdrawal to create a “free economic zone,” initially suggesting a demilitarised area overseen by Russia’s security forces. After pushback from Kyiv and European allies, Washington accepted the idea of a neutral international force instead.

Zelenskyy has shown limited openness to the concept, but only if the territory remains internationally recognised as Ukrainian and Russian forces pull back equally.

High Stakes for Ukraine’s Security

Proposed US guarantees are said to mirror Nato’s Article 5 commitment and include promises of a coordinated military response to sustained attacks. However, Ukrainian officials fear the pledges may be too vague to deter Russia while still demanding irreversible territorial losses.

Analysts warn that conceding the Donbas would provide Russia with a strategic launch pad for deeper attacks into Ukraine.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks in Abu Dhabi were “very constructive” and confirmed further negotiations would take place this week, though Zelenskyy acknowledged that major political issues — including territory — remain unresolved.