The United States has extended a proposal for a 15-year security assurance to Ukraine as part of a peace initiative, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. Zelenskyy expressed a preference for a more extended commitment, ideally lasting up to 50 years, to effectively deter Russian aggression and prevent further territorial incursions.
During a meeting at his Florida resort, US President Donald Trump welcomed Zelenskyy and asserted that Ukraine and Russia are nearer than ever to reaching a peace agreement.
Despite ongoing negotiations, critical issues remain unresolved, such as the withdrawal of forces and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, one of the largest globally. Trump acknowledged the possibility that the negotiations, led predominantly by the US, might still fall through after months of discussions.
In response to questions via voice messages on WhatsApp, Zelenskyy emphasized, “Realistically, this conflict cannot conclude without security guarantees.”
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia dates back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea illegally, and pro-Moscow separatists initiated armed conflict in the Donbas, a key industrial hub in eastern Ukraine.
Although specifics of the security guarantees remain undisclosed, Zelenskyy mentioned that they cover the monitoring of any peace agreement and the “presence” of international partners. He did not provide further details, but Russia has been clear in its opposition to the deployment of NATO troops within Ukrainian borders.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump were expected to speak in the near future but there was no indication the Russian leader would speak to Zelenskyy.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Kyiv’s allies will meet in Paris in early January to “finalise each country’s concrete contributions” to the security guarantees.
Trump said he would consider extending US security guarantees for Ukraine beyond 15 years, according to Zelenskyy. The guarantees would be approved by the US Congress as well as by parliaments in other countries involved in overseeing any settlement, he said.
Zelenskyy said he wants the 20-point peace plan under discussion to be approved by Ukrainians in a national referendum.
However, holding a ballot requires a ceasefire of at least 60 days, and Moscow has shown no willingness for a truce without a full settlement.
