UPDATE: A framework for security guarantees for Ukraine is set to be established as early as next week, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This announcement follows urgent discussions with allies, including Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, aimed at fortifying Ukraine’s defenses against ongoing Russian aggression.
The urgency escalated after a devastating Russian strike on August 28, 2025, which killed at least 19 individuals in Kyiv. Zelenskiy condemned the attack, noting that it targeted civilian infrastructure rather than military assets, thereby intensifying calls for robust security measures.
In a call with Erdogan, Zelenskiy revealed that national security advisors are finalizing every component of the security framework, which will be formally detailed by next week. “We are working on a comprehensive strategy to ensure our national defense,” he stated. The strike also impacted a Turkish business, highlighting the international dimension of the conflict.
As part of the discussions, Turkey’s defense minister is expected to play a crucial role in exploring Turkey’s involvement in security arrangements, particularly in the Black Sea. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security and defense council head, is currently in Turkey to bolster bilateral defense cooperation.
This latest assault from Russia, which included 600 drones and 31 missiles, marks the second-largest aerial attack of the ongoing war. The targets were civilian areas in Kyiv, resulting in significant infrastructure damage, including the British Council building, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned as a horrific act against innocent lives.
In a strong response, US special envoy Keith Kellogg stated, “These egregious attacks threaten the peace that POTUS is pursuing,” emphasizing the detrimental impact of such actions on peace efforts.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the assault, stressing the necessity for Russia to engage in negotiations. Following the attack, she announced plans for a new package of sanctions against Russia, stating, “We will come forward soon with our 19th package of hard-biting sanctions.” Von der Leyen highlighted the strategic aim of establishing a “steel porcupine” defense for Ukraine to deter future aggressions.
The European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv suffered damage, although no staff were harmed. Von der Leyen noted that two missiles landed perilously close to the EU office, underscoring the reckless nature of the strikes aimed at terrorizing civilians.
As tensions escalate, EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on Saturday in Copenhagen to discuss the forthcoming sanctions package, reflecting a united front against Russia’s continued aggression.
With the situation developing rapidly and security guarantees on the horizon, the international community is closely monitoring Ukraine’s response to these urgent threats. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
