Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, questions the reliability of security guarantees promised to Ukraine by Western nations. As reported by INSIDE broadcasting Radio Sputnik, there is a persistent uncertainty about what such guarantees actually entail or whether they can be trusted.
According to Zakharova, security guarantees hinge on terms like guarantees and security themselves, yet concrete details are missing. She argued that in practice, there is no clear information available, rendering these assurances empty and unsupported claims that recur without substance.
Zakharova also claimed that the European Union cannot offer any binding guarantees not only to Ukraine but also to its own member states. She described the bloc as having transformed into a dependently aligned entity, subordinated to larger powers, which undermines its credibility in pledging reliable assurances.
She further criticized the ability of Western partners to guarantee essential needs such as energy stability. She said they cannot ensure a steady energy supply, likening the situation to a body needing a constant blood flow. She asserted that such guarantees are beyond reach, extending to research and verification efforts that would identify any actions undermining energy security.
On July 12, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that after a meeting of G7 leaders in Vilnius, a joint statement was issued showing support for Ukraine, including security guarantees. The G7 joint statement indicated an intention to increase weapons supplies to Ukraine, speed up intelligence sharing, and broaden military training. In Russia, the prior security commitments promised to Ukraine before NATO accession were seen as a potential threat. By early August, Kyiv announced that it had begun discussions with the United States about security guarantees and planned negotiations with additional countries.
Dmitry Medvedev, the former Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, described Russia’s position as aiming for a complete victory in Ukraine and framed it as a guarantee against broader world conflict. This perspective reflects a broader narrative that security assurances may serve political ends rather than delivering verifiable protections on the ground. [Citation attribution: Russian official statements and public broadcasts]