Kyiv, Ukraine – The United States has proposed 15 years of security guarantees to Ukraine as part of ongoing peace negotiations, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While Zelenskyy indicated a preference for a 50-year commitment to deter further Russian aggression, the offer represents a significant development in efforts to end the conflict.
Negotiations Continue Amidst Uncertainty
The proposed guarantees emerged following a meeting Sunday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to reaching a peace settlement, though negotiators continue to grapple with key sticking points. These include defining withdrawal zones for both sides and determining the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the world’s ten largest.
Zelenskyy emphasized the critical importance of security assurances, stating, “Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end.” Details of the proposed guarantees remain undisclosed, but Zelenskyy indicated they would address monitoring of any peace agreement and the “presence” of partner nations – a point of contention given Russia’s opposition to NATO troop deployments in Ukraine.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
Trump held a “positive call” with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, as reported by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. This followed a prior conversation between the two leaders before Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy, signaling an attempt to facilitate a settlement. Trump described the call as “a very good talk,” acknowledging “a few very thorny issues” remain.
Putin’s advisor, Yuri Ushakov, stated that Trump is urging Ukraine to pursue a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. Putin, however, insists on a full settlement before any truce is considered.
Adding complexity to the situation, Putin informed Trump during their call that Ukraine allegedly attempted to attack his residence in northwestern Russia with long-range drones shortly after the Sunday meeting. Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as a fabrication intended to disrupt the peace process.
Ukrainian Sentiment and Future Prospects
As negotiations potentially reach a critical juncture in January, before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Putin claimed Russian forces are making advances in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. He also stressed the need to establish military buffer zones along the Russian border.
France is set to host a meeting in early January to coordinate concrete contributions from Kyiv’s allies regarding security guarantees. Trump indicated a willingness to consider extending U.S. guarantees beyond 15 years, subject to approval from the U.S. Congress and other involved parliaments.
Zelenskyy has proposed a national referendum to approve the 20-point peace plan under discussion, but this would require a 60-day ceasefire – a condition Moscow has not yet accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the security guarantees currently being offered to Ukraine?
The United States is offering security guarantees to Ukraine for a period of 15 years, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
What are the key obstacles to reaching a peace settlement?
Negotiators are still working to resolve issues related to troop withdrawal zones and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, according to the source.
What was discussed during the call between Trump and Putin?
Trump and Putin had a “positive call” about the war in Ukraine, during which Putin informed Trump about an alleged drone attack on his residence, and Trump urged Ukraine to seek a comprehensive peace agreement.
As negotiations progress, will a lasting peace be achieved?
