Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed, in talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, to allow the United States and its European allies to offer Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO’s collective defense arrangement.

The announcement was made Sunday by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who described it as “game changing.”

“This is the first time Russia has agreed to let the U.S. provide Article 5-like protection, one of the main reasons Ukraine wants to join NATO,” Witkoff told CNN. Article 5 is a NATO rule stating that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

The summit, held at a military base in Alaska, included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While the exact details are still being worked out, Witkoff said Russia also agreed to enact a law promising not to attack other European countries or violate their sovereignty. He called the talks a major step toward a possible peace deal in the 3½-year war in Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the development, saying the EU and other partners in a “coalition of the willing” are ready to provide support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism but noted that how the guarantees would work, and the exact roles of the U.S. and EU remain unclear.

Witkoff explained that Trump moved away from demanding an immediate Russian ceasefire after progress was made on other key issues.

Rubio said that new sanctions on Russia would not force a ceasefire, emphasizing that the goal is a lasting peace, allowing Ukraine to rebuild and ensuring such a war never happens again.

Rubio added that Ukraine will need to make some concessions but must also gain real security assurances. “Ukraine, like any sovereign country, has the right to enter alliances to protect itself from future invasions,” he said.

Zelenskyy and European leaders are scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Monday to discuss next steps. Rubio stressed that while a peace deal is not finalized, the movement in talks is significant enough to continue discussions.

The summit could mark an important turning point in the Ukraine conflict. By exploring security guarantees and cooperation between the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine, leaders hope to protect the country, curb future threats, and eventually bring an end to the war.

While challenges remain, the agreement represents a potential pathway toward stability and stronger international support for Ukraine.