Zelenskyy Offers Alternative to Article 5 for Ukraine, Emphasizes Need for US "Backstop"

During the June 13 media briefing, the president outlined Ukraine’s willingness to offer an alternative route on its future security architecture in Europe. He emphasized that, while full NATO membership remains the ultimate goal, Ukraine is prepared to host a “Coalition of the Willing” on its soil, effectively Article 5 guarantees without formal NATO accession, provided the United States clearly commits to a backstop.  

“Europe stands with us and will continue to assist us. The Coalition of the Willing overall provides security guarantees for Ukraine. The deployment of their forces on our territory is like Article 5 of NATO, but without NATO. They can be based here, but they need America’s backstop. This means that if something happens, America will stand with them and with Ukraine. When America does not clearly signal that they will provide a backstop, the mood and energy for this idea immediately diminish. For them, that is a risk. But that does not mean they will not help us or reduce assistance—instead, they will increase,” Zelenskyy said, andswering a question on potential Ukrainian concessions.

“Their presence gives us space for compromises: we can say that today we do not have the strength to retake our territories within the 1991 borders. It’s not just the army; everyone works toward this,” he added.

“Why do I want the “Coalition of the Willing”—not to have foreigners fight. No. Today, Putin is using the argument that if Ukrainians are given a ceasefire, they will prepare and return [with a new invasion, — ed.]. And he is working with this argument. It works well in other countries. We know that. Both America and some European countries say, and who answers, that this will not happen. I tell them: “NATO is responsible”. Because if we are with NATO, we cannot. No one will risk a world war,” President Zelenskyy said.

Earlier, it was reported on June 10 that French President Emmanuel Macron convened leaders from 34 countries in Paris to draft a framework for credible security guarantees for Ukraine after a ceasefire, emphasizing joint responsibility until NATO accession could be achieved.