Ex-Ukraine Envoy: Secret US Pledges Are "Paper Tigers," Won't Deter Putin

A former Ukrainian ambassador to the United States has made a striking claim about Western security promises to Ukraine. He says the detailed guarantees are kept secret because they are not strong enough to be real. The official, who served as ambassador from 2019 to 2021, stated that these private assurances lack substance. He argues that hiding the terms from the public proves they would not truly deter Russian President Vladimir Putin. He directly criticized U.S. commitments, calling them a "paper tiger." This phrase, meaning something that appears threatening but is actually powerless, suggests the promises are empty. The comments highlight ongoing Ukrainian concerns about the long-term reliability of Western support. They come as Ukraine seeks solid, public agreements to ensure its security after the war ends. Kyiv has pushed for clear and legally binding treaties with its allies. The former diplomat's claim implies that current private discussions may fall far short of that goal.