Ukraine proposed the purchase of $100 billion (approximately 139 trillion won) worth of American-made weapons to receive security guarantees from the United States after reaching a peace agreement with Russia, the Financial Times (FT) reported on the 18th (local time).
According to FT, which obtained relevant documents, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine proposed this plan based on funds provided by Europe and shared this security cooperation proposal in advance with European allies.
There were no details on what specific weapons Ukraine would purchase. However, given that President Zelensky has consistently expressed his intention to buy the American-made Patriot air defense weapons systems used for missile interception, it is highly likely that this weapon will be among the purchases.
Separately, Ukraine is also pursuing a joint production agreement with the United States worth $50 billion (approximately 69 trillion won) for drones. Ukrainian companies, which have developed drone technology through practical experience since the outbreak of the war, will participate in this agreement. The ratio of procurement to investment for the drone agreement has not been specifically stated.
Ukraine's proposal to purchase American-made weapons is seen as an action to gain assurances about security from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has employed 'transaction' diplomacy. President Trump has emphasized domestic industry and economic interests under the banner of 'America First.'
Earlier, President Trump, in response to a question at the White House about additional military aid to Ukraine, said, 'We do not give anything (for free). We are selling weapons.'
FT assessed that the document indicates an alternative suggested amid concerns that President Trump recently leaned toward accommodating Russian President Vladimir Putin during the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska.
The document states that 'sustained peace cannot be achieved through concessions or free gifts to Putin, but must be based on a strong security system that deters future aggressions.'
According to the document, Ukraine rejected a proposal to freeze the current front line in exchange for President Putin taking control of the entire eastern region of Donbass, as this would allow Russia to easily advance into central Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro.
Ukraine also stated that it will not accept any agreements based on territorial concessions and has demanded an immediate ceasefire as the first step toward a complete peace agreement, FT reported.
However, there remains a possibility that President Zelensky may change his stance. After meeting with President Trump and European leaders at the White House, he stated in a press conference that he was ready to meet directly with President Putin to end the war.
President Zelensky said, 'Ukraine and Russia must meet without any conditions,' adding that 'if a ceasefire is demanded as a condition for the bilateral meeting, Russia will accuse us of obstructing negotiations.'
Meanwhile, in the document obtained by FT, Ukraine demanded full compensation for war damages. It also claimed that compensation for its country could be covered by utilizing the $300 billion (approximately 416 trillion won) assets of frozen Russian sovereign wealth funds by the West.