Relying on missiles instead of the West: how Ukraine found its own security guarantees
фото: ДПСУ
Ukraine refuses to rely solely on Western promises and is launching a massive defense industry development program, which Kyiv sees as the most reliable way to protect itself from Russia after the bitter experience with the Budapest Memorandum and amid declining US support.
This is reported by The New York Times.
It is noted that since September 1, 2025, Ukraine has been actively implementing a multi-billion-dollar arms buildup program, financed mainly by European partners. The main emphasis is on developing its own production — in particular, the launch of the Flamingo long-range cruise missile. It is capable of hitting targets at a distance of about 3,000 km and carries a warhead weighing over a ton.
Analysts believe that the presence of such an arsenal is in itself a powerful deterrent for Moscow .
“Long-range serial weapons such as the Flamingo are perhaps the strongest guarantee of Ukraine’s security in the post-war European order,” said Fabian Hoffman, an expert from the University of Oslo.
Ukraine already has a negative experience when international agreements did not become real protection. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which guaranteed the country’s security in exchange for giving up nuclear weapons, was actually not implemented after the start of Russian aggression. This is what is pushing Kyiv to develop its own defense guarantees.
Despite European support, the program faces challenges. Several EU countries are facing budgetary constraints that could limit funding. Ukraine also needs to address staffing shortages.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing at the diplomatic level regarding future guarantees. The United States, under Donald Trump, is pushing for a quick peace deal with Russia, while some European states are discussing the possibility of deploying troops in Ukraine. A “coalition of the willing” summit is scheduled to be held in Paris on September 4, with President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to attend.
However, Kyiv understands that the real guarantees are weapons produced in Ukraine and obtained under contracts with the West. Germany and Norway have already promised to provide up to $10 billion in aid in 2026, which will allow planning for long-term strengthening of the army.
As the president of the Center for Transatlantic Dialogue, Maksym Skrypchenko, summed up, it is our own missile program that is the best guarantee of security.
“If Ukraine has hundreds of long-range missiles, it will make Moscow think twice before launching another attack,” he said.
It was previously reported that a Ukrainian delegation will arrive in the United States and meet with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. They will discuss security guarantees for Kyiv.
As a reminder, following the results of the last meeting , the “Coalition of the Willing” stated that it is ready to deploy support forces in Ukraine after the cessation of hostilities.
By the way, the head of the UK Ministry of Defense, John Healy, during the meeting between the American and Russian leaders, stated that London is ready to send its military to Ukraine .
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