Ukraine Galang Support Presses Russia: If Serious, Europe Must Make A Dare Decision

Ukrainian Military/PHOTO via Instagram @uaf_general_staff

JAKARTA - Ukraine has made progress in intensive negotiations to formalize legally binding security guarantees with the United States and its European allies.

"The bilateral agreement with the United States remains vital, and the recent commitment of US President Donald Trump to participate in Ukraine's defense is a "transgressive moment"," said Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia.

"I think we are making progress," said Kyslytsia, key negotiator with allies on security guarantees.

"I think this period of very intense exchange of views allows us to have a much better and concrete understanding of who is willing to do what and who is capable of what," he continued.

Kyslytsia's view reflects the increasingly pragmatic diplomatic approach in Kyiv, which does not expect a quick solution to end the war, either in the form of US sanctions against Moscow or Russia's sudden economic collapse.

He said most of the approximately 30 countries in the so-called "willing coalitions" promised support for Ukraine had offered practical assistance, although details were still being discussed.

Ukrainian officials say proposals being discussed as part of security guarantees include strong Ukrainian soldiers and well equipped, foreign forces on the ground, funding for domestic and foreign weapons, and intelligence sharing.

The goal is to create credible deterrents to Russian aggression in the future, although the participating countries are very different in terms of the contributions they make.

Kyslytsia said more progress needed to be made.

He also gave a stern warning to European allies that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not stop his military aggression on the Ukrainian border. According to him, now is the time to act decisively.

"If Europeans are serious about maintaining their security, they have to make difficult decisions," Kyslytsia said.

"I think it is the European politician's obligation to meet their constituents and explain to each household why their welfare relies on Ukraine's ability to defend itself and defend the entire continent," he continued.