Ukraine Seeks Concrete U.S. Security Guarantees as Geneva Talks Continue, Ambassador Says

Nov. 23, 2025 — In a November 23 interview with Margaret Brennan, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, described ongoing consultations in Geneva over a U.S.-led 28-point proposal intended to halt the fighting with Russia. Stefanishyna said Ukraine is engaging intensively with U.S. and European officials but stressed that no agreement has been finalized.

Stefanishyna characterized the 28-point proposal as focused primarily on ending hostilities and addressing humanitarian issues such as the return of hostages and prisoners of war. She emphasized that, as presented, the plan does not deliver judicial accountability for the aggression and does not appear to require concrete concessions from Moscow.

When asked whether Russia has made concessions, Stefanishyna replied that the current proposal does not impose significant obligations on Russia and warned that a lasting, fair peace must be written into binding documents rather than remain rhetorical.

She confirmed reporting of a separate U.S. "framework" of security assurances that has been publicly leaked. Stefanishyna made clear she distinguishes that framework from a formal treaty: the framework outlines U.S. intentions to provide security assistance and assurances, rather than creating binding, Article 5-style obligations. Still, she said Kyiv seeks clear, concrete guarantees that the United States and its partners would come to Ukraine's defense if Russia or proxies launch further aggression.

President Zelenskyy has framed Ukraine's dilemma as a choice between "losing its dignity or losing a key ally," Stefanishyna said, underscoring Kyiv's insistence that any deal preserve both security and sovereignty.

Stefanishyna invoked Ukraine's experience with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum—when Kyiv surrendered its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances—as a lesson that shapes current demands for robust protection after years of sustained aggression.

On the battlefield, she pushed back against a narrow focus on recent fighting in Pokrovsk, saying that Kyiv faces sustained combat across a wide front with more than 1,000 engagements typically occurring each week. While acknowledging the tactical importance of individual cities, she warned against letting isolated setbacks shape a narrative of overall collapse.

Stefanishyna described the consultations as constructive but emotional at times, with senior U.S. officials actively involved. She said discussions under U.S. leadership will continue, and that Ukraine wants written, enforceable commitments that ensure its long-term security and sovereignty.

Details noted in the interview: the U.S. 28-point proposal; a separate U.S. framework of security assurances (leaked); references to senior U.S. officials participating in consultations; the first senior U.S. military visit to Ukraine since 1991; reports of more than 1,000 weekly combat engagements; and references to the Budapest Memorandum and lessons learned during more than three years of aggression.