Italy advocates for the implementation of a new security guarantee format for Ukraine, based on the principles of collective defense enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO Charter. As reported by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, this mechanism became the central topic of discussion at a recent meeting in Washington, attended by representatives from the USA, European states, and Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
What the ‘NATO-Light’ Format Entails for Ukraine
The concept referred to by Western media as ‘NATO-Light’ involves providing Ukraine with security guarantees without formal membership in the North Atlantic Alliance. If Ukraine is attacked, allied countries must agree on joint actions in response within 24 hours. Possible measures include expedited delivery of military equipment and economic assistance, strengthening the defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as new sanctions against Russia.
Reactions and Prospects for Implementing the Initiative
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that Meloni’s initiative aims to involve NATO in the defense of a foreign state like Ukraine. If a unified allied format cannot be achieved, the possibility of bilateral agreements between individual states and Kyiv is considered.
Russia rejects the idea of foreign military presence on Ukrainian territory and insists on Kyiv’s neutral status.
At the same time, according to the Financial Times, Ukraine’s Western partners are considering the establishment of three lines of defense as one of the options for security guarantees. Some European officials do not rule out the involvement of French and British troops as part of a potential peace agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the possibility of sending American troops but expressed readiness to provide Ukraine with air support and ensure the exchange of intelligence information.