Kyiv, February 16, 2026 – The Europe Today: Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the United States urged Ukraine to relinquish territorial claims to areas captured by Russia in exchange for security guarantees, emphasizing that such guarantees must precede any discussion of territorial compromise.
Speaking on Monday, Zelenskyy said Washington was preparing proposals for security assurances but linked them to a potential exchange involving territories.
“Our American friends are preparing security guarantees. But they said, first this exchange of territories, or something like that, and then security guarantees,” he was quoted as saying. “I believe security guarantees must come first.”
The Ukrainian president reiterated that while Kyiv is open to compromise, it would not agree to terms that undermine its sovereignty or enable future aggression.
“What compromise are we willing to make? Not one that will allow Russia to quickly recover and come again and occupy us,” he said, underscoring concerns about long-term national security.
Zelenskyy referred to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine agreed to relinquish Soviet-era nuclear weapons stationed on its territory following the dissolution of the USSR. In return, Kyiv received assurances regarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We gave up our nuclear and other weapons. Many planes, dozens. We gave them up and received guarantees of security, sovereignty and independence,” Zelenskyy said. “In the end, we have none of those weapons, and we have no security guarantees. No one protected our independence.”
He further noted that any new security guarantees from the United States would only take effect after approval by Congress, highlighting the need for legally binding commitments.
“So what’s to be afraid of? I don’t understand. We can sign a document with leaders on security guarantees for Ukraine. This is a strong signal to people: America will help and support, and the Europeans will stand with you if Russia comes again,” he said. “And then you can talk to the Ukrainians about what they are ready for.”
The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic discussions on the future of the conflict and potential frameworks for long-term security arrangements in Eastern Europe.
