Ukraine seeks formal security guarantees at Vilnius NATO summit amid ongoing crisis
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, stated that he expects binding security assurances to be on the table during the NATO summit held in Vilnius. He shared this expectation during a briefing, with Suspilne TV reporting the remarks. The Ukrainian leader stressed that written guarantees are essential to prevent shifting narratives from leaders and to shield the country as it faces fatigue on multiple fronts, including public weariness and economic strain. He emphasized that assurances must be documented in writing to ensure clarity and accountability. [Source: Suspilne TV]
The discussion comes as Ukraine continues to navigate the consequences of renewed tensions with Russia and seeks solid commitments that would bolster its defense posture and regional security. Zelensky underscored the importance of concrete written assurances, noting that verbal promises can quickly unravel under political pressure and changing circumstances. He indicated that the paper guarantees are a critical element of Ukraine’s strategic planning in the near term. [Source: Suspilne TV]
Earlier, Zelensky convened an emergency session of Ukraine’s National Security Council in response to the damage caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in the Kherson region. The crisis prompted rapid consultation among security and defense officials to assess immediate risks and potential humanitarian impacts. [Source: Official briefings]
The head of the Nova Kakhovka administration, Vladimir Leontiev, warned about possible difficulties in delivering clean water to Crimea due to the dam break. He noted that while the most severe outcome had been avoided, the disruption to the water supply remained a pressing concern for the region and its residents. The situation prompted heightened attention to water infrastructure and emergency response measures. [Source: Local authorities]
At the same time, Zelensky publicly attributed the destruction of the hydroelectric power station to Russian actions, framing the incident as a deliberate act that escalates regional instability. The accusation added to the broader discourse surrounding the incident, security implications, and the prospects for international accountability. [Source: Ukrainian government statements]