(MENAFN) The United States intends for a peace agreement with Russia to be reached before offering long-term security guarantees to Ukraine, according to reports citing European diplomats and officials familiar with recent discussions.

Sources indicated that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told European counterparts during a call on Tuesday that President Donald Trump plans to negotiate long-term assurances for Ukraine’s security, but only after a deal is in place. Ukraine has long regarded Western security guarantees as essential to any potential settlement, though NATO allies have yet to define the precise form such support would take.

Rubio reportedly stressed that security guarantees remain a top priority for the administration and should be incorporated swiftly as part of a comprehensive package. He raised the matter during talks in Geneva last weekend but did not provide further details in a subsequent call with British and French officials. Diplomats noted that issues such as Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the status of frozen Russian assets are expected to be addressed after a deal is concluded.

The US State Department rejected the characterization of Rubio’s remarks, with spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasizing that “Secretary Rubio, along with the entire Trump administration, has clearly underscored that security guarantees would need to be part of any peace deal, as he has consistently outlined in both public and private.” The White House echoed this position, with spokesperson Anna Kelly stating that “any deal must provide full security guarantees and deterrence for Ukraine.”

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