President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he believes it is crucial for Ukraine to obtain security guarantees in addition to continuing to access American weapons.

Source: Zelenskyy during an online press briefing on 8 December, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy was asked whether it would be acceptable to Ukraine and Europe if the US stepped back from the negotiation process on the Russo-Ukrainian war but continued selling US-made weapons through NATO's PURL initiative.

Quote: "I believe that is not enough. We must fight for the United States of America to continue helping, continue supporting, continue putting pressure on Russia. And security guarantees are crucial for us – I have already spoken about this today."

Details: Prior to this, Zelenskyy had emphasised that the strongest security guarantees Ukraine can receive are, in his view, legally binding guarantees from the United States.

He added that the PURL initiative is and will remain very important, as it enables Ukraine to purchase weapons that European countries cannot provide.

Quote: "And that's why we must continue this in any case. I believe our allies, the United States, will support this programme. They earn money. It fits with their current policy – that they support Ukraine, not for free, but they do support [us]. PURL is working; we mostly buy air defence systems."

Background:

• Zelenskyy revealed that European security guarantees for Ukraine are almost agreed.
• He also said that national security advisers from Ukraine and European countries are expected to finalise the latest version of the "peace plan" around Tuesday.
• Earlier, Zelenskyy provided details of his 8 December meeting in London with the leaders of the UK, France and Germany.
• From London, the Ukrainian president travelled to Brussels, where he is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the EU leadership later the same day.

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