During an Oval Office meeting, President Zelenskyy inquired about security assurances with Vice President Vance. Regardless of the opinions on the appropriateness of raising the question in front of the media, it was a legitimate and pertinent inquiry. To understand Zelenskyy's position, one must consider history.

Minsk Agreements

Reuters.com: What are the Minsk agreements on the Ukraine conflict?

Russia previously invaded Ukraine, leading the European Union to negotiate the Minsk agreements. These agreements included provisions such as prisoner exchanges, delivery of humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of heavy weapons. However, the agreement ultimately failed, and there was no military intervention from Europe.

Zelenskyy's doubt

Russia's 2022 invasion breached the Minsk Agreement without consequences. President Zelenskyy seeks military protection guarantees to prevent future ceasefire failures. Europe failed to provide these guarantees, making the US Ukraine's last hope.

US natural resource interest abroad.

The United States has significant natural resource interests abroad, especially oil in Saudi Arabia. The US maintains several bases in the Middle East like Al Dhafra Air Base, Forward Operating Base Sykes in northern Iraq, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, primarily to protect its oil interests.

Greenland is also considered a US resource interest, with some speculation about potential military involvement to obtain it, though there's no evidence for it.

The Bottom Line

 Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia invaded Ukraine despite the presence of US businesses, but they were not aligned with any official US policy on natural resources. This deal would change that. Putin is aware of the US history of protecting its interests and the strength of the US military, alongside NATO's Article 5.