By Arpan Rai

Copyright independent

Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine’s allies understand the scale of security guarantees needed for Ukraine after the war stops – adding that the conflict is costing Kyiv’s backers $60bn for every year that it continues.

Writing on X, he said: “When we speak about security guarantees for Ukraine, there are several key elements. First, the Ukrainian army. We already agreed on what we need in the sky, at sea, and on the ground. Our partners now understand the scale of these needs, but the important thing is that we are on the same page, and they are ready to deliver.”

He said the strength and size of the Ukrainian army itself requires significant funding and called for financial support from Kyiv’s allies.

“Third, Article 5–like guarantees. We are discussing this with the US, and I believe we will reach bilateral decisions,” Zelensky said, referring to Nato’s Article 5 that warns an attack on one member of the alliance will be treated as an attack on all members.

The Ukrainian president called for sanctions and said: “To give an example: the cost of this war today is about $120bn per year. Ukraine covers half from its own budget. The other half – $60bn – must be secured. Plan A is to end the war. Plan B is to secure the cost,” he said.