By Olena Harmash and Mike Collett-White

A service member of a mobile air defence unit of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade loads cartridges into an M2 Browning machine gun during a combat shift on the front line, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine September 15, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

U.S. support remains key, even if Europeans are “best friends”

KYIV, Sept 19 (Reuters) – Ukraine is making progress in intensive talks to formalise legally binding security guarantees with the United States and European allies, a key part of its bid to end the war with Russia, First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya said.

A bilateral agreement with the United States remains vital, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent commitment to participate in Ukraine’s defence was a “breakthrough moment”, Kyslytsya told Reuters in an interview.

“I think that we are making progress,” said Kyslytsya, a key negotiator with allies on security guarantees who also participated in all three rounds of direct talks with Russia in Istanbul earlier this year.

“I think this very intense period of 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 doing what.”

UKRAINE HAS DISCUSSED TROOPS ON GROUND

Kyslytsya’s views reflect an increasingly pragmatic approach to diplomacy in Kyiv, which is not holding out for a quick fix to end the war either in the shape of punitive U.S. sanctions against Moscow or a sudden collapse of the Russian economy.

He said the vast majority of around 30 countries in the so-called “coalition of the willing” promising support for Ukraine had offered practical help, although details were still being thrashed out.

Ukrainian officials have said proposals under discussion as part of security guarantees include a strong, well-equipped Ukrainian army, foreign troops on the ground, finance for domestic and overseas weaponry and intelligence sharing.

The aim is to create a credible deterrent against future Russian aggression, although participating countries differ widely in what they are prepared to contribute and Kyslytsya said that more progress needs to be made.

He also had a stark warning for European allies: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop his military aggression at Ukraine’s border, and the time for bold action is now.

“If Europeans are serious about their security, they have to take difficult decisions.

“I think it’s the duty of European politicians to go to their constituents, and … explain to every household … why their well-being depends on the ability of Ukraine to defend itself and to defend the entire continent.”

U.S. LOGISTICAL, AIR SUPPORT, INTELLIGENCE REMAIN VITAL

He called the Europeans Kyiv’s “best friends”, but said cooperation with the United States was key because it provided logistical and air support as well as intelligence that would be crucial to Ukraine’s long-term security.

Kyslytsya said there was still a decision to be made on whether Kyiv would have a set of bilateral treaties with its European allies or a multilateral agreement among several countries.

Whatever the format, future guarantees should be legally binding and adopted by national parliaments.

After more than three-and-a-half years of war, polls show increasing exhaustion in Ukraine and support for a potential ceasefire, but there remains overwhelming opposition to Russian demands to give up occupied land and to cede yet more territory.

Ukraine’s intense diplomatic push is occurring as its forces face increasing pressure in the east and south, where the Russian military is advancing slowly but steadily and threatening a series of strategic garrison towns.

Outmanned on the battlefield, Ukraine has intensified its attacks , opens new tab on Russia’s oil refineries and energy infrastructure using long-range drones capable of flying more than 1,000 miles.

It remains Ukraine’s single most effective way of inflicting significant damage on the Russian economy.

“I think we will continue to do that as long as Russia is not showing any meaningful signs of readiness to sit down and negotiate,” Kyslytsya said.

“I don’t believe that Russia will collapse economically in the foreseeable future, but I think that the pain for the regime should increase.”

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