A major shift in security talks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine will not join NATO but will still receive protection from Washington. The statement followed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, held days after Trump’s summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Officials have described the new approach as an “Article 5-like” security guarantee for Ukraine, offering protection without full NATO membership.
What is NATO’s Article 5?
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of 32 countries. It was created after World War II to defend its members against outside attacks. The most important rule in NATO’s founding treaty is Article 5.
Article 5 states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. If a NATO country is attacked, the other members must step in and help. This rule has been invoked only once, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, when NATO allies supported U.S. military operations.
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For Ukraine, this principle has long been a key goal. NATO membership would ensure that if the country was attacked, countries like the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany would be obliged to assist. However, NATO has not extended membership to Ukraine despite repeated requests.
Security Guarantees for Ukraine
During his remarks at the White House, President Donald Trump said, “No NATO, but we will protect them,” while standing beside President Volodymyr Zelensky. He added that Europe would remain the “first line of defence”, but the U.S. would also be involved.
The announcement followed negotiations at a military base in Alaska attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff later told U.S. media that President Vladimir Putin had agreed during the summit to allow the U.S. and European allies to offer Ukraine security commitments. He described the concession as “Article 5-like” and called it “game-changing”.
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This marks a significant shift, as Russia has long opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership. The new arrangement appears to provide Ukraine with protection while avoiding the formal step of joining the alliance.
Could the U.S. Attack Russia Under These Rules?
The key question is whether such guarantees would mean the U.S. could directly attack Russia if the conflict continues.
Under NATO’s Article 5, when a member is attacked, the others must respond. However, the treaty leaves each country free to decide how it responds. Assistance can include military support, but it may also involve weapons supplies, intelligence, or financial aid. It does not automatically require launching strikes on an aggressor’s territory.
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If Ukraine is granted “Article 5-like” protection, the U.S. and its allies would likely take strong measures if Ukraine is attacked again. This could involve deploying more weapons, increasing sanctions, or even sending troops. But the exact response would depend on the circumstances and political decisions at the time.
President Trump has said further details will be shared after consultations with European leaders. What is confirmed is that Ukraine will not enter NATO at this stage but will receive a new form of security guarantee.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also clarified that Ukraine’s membership is not on the table for now. While NATO maintains that Ukraine has a long-term path to join, discussions are currently focused on special defense commitments resembling Article 5.
This type of arrangement gives Ukraine added protection from the U.S. and its allies, while also addressing concerns from Russia about NATO expansion. Officials have described it as a major development in ongoing talks to stabilize the region.