UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced today that a framework for security guarantees will be ready as soon as next week. This comes amid urgent discussions with allies following a devastating Russian strike in Kyiv that killed at least 19 people overnight.
In a call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskiy confirmed that national security advisors are actively developing the framework to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against further Russian aggression. “The entire framework will be set out on paper next week,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation following the attack, which targeted residential areas and critical infrastructure in Kyiv.
The overnight assault was one of the largest since the war began, involving 600 drones and 31 missiles. The strikes specifically targeted civilian sites, including the EU and British mission council offices, leading to widespread condemnation. Zelenskiy highlighted that a Turkish enterprise was also hit during the attack, further complicating regional security dynamics.
Involving Turkey in these discussions could be a significant step toward a robust support mechanism. Zelenskiy noted that Turkey’s defense minister would be part of future talks to explore potential contributions to Ukraine’s security, particularly in the strategically vital Black Sea. Meanwhile, Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s national security and defense council, is visiting Turkey to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.
International reactions have been swift and severe. US special envoy Keith Kellogg condemned the Russian assault in Kyiv, stating, “These egregious attacks threaten the peace that POTUS is pursuing.” The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed outrage, declaring, “(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is killing children and civilians and sabotaging hopes of peace.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been actively engaging with Zelenskiy and Trump in the aftermath of the attacks. She stated, “Putin must come to the negotiating table,” emphasizing the need for “firm and credible security guarantees” for Ukraine. In light of the recent violence, she has announced the introduction of a 19th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at addressing the ongoing threat.
The European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv suffered damage during the attack, but no staff members were harmed. Von der Leyen noted that two missiles struck perilously close to the EU office, underscoring the Kremlin’s disregard for civilian life. “It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine,” she added.
The EU’s foreign ministers are set to discuss the new sanctions at a meeting scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Copenhagen, as they seek to respond to Russia’s continued aggression.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the framework for security guarantees expected next week, which may significantly alter the landscape of support for Ukraine amid ongoing threats from Russia. With the stakes higher than ever, the international community watches closely for further developments in this critical moment for Ukraine and its allies.
