Ukraine intends to conclude the first bilateral agreements on security guarantees with its allies by the end of 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the EU Council.

He noted that the country is aware of the difficulties on the path to NATO membership and therefore is currently working on security guarantees. Zelensky expressed hope that the architecture of such guarantees would contribute to geopolitical stability not only for Ukraine but also for other countries.

Ukraine is grateful to the G7 and other states that are working on security guarantees. He noted that 20 EU states have already joined the G7 declaration on guarantees, and the accession of the remaining seven "will be a strong step."

"We expect the conclusion of the first bilateral agreements with partners on guarantees by the end of the year," Zelensky emphasized.