The United States has offered Ukraine security guarantees extending over a period of **15 years** as part of a proposed peace initiative, according to Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelensky**. Zelensky expressed a preference for a longer commitment of up to **50 years** to effectively deter Russia from further territorial aggression. This announcement follows a meeting between Zelensky and U.S. President **Donald Trump** at Trump’s resort in Florida, where discussions focused on the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Despite the promising developments, key issues remain unresolved, notably the withdrawal of forces and the status of the **Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant**, one of the largest in the world, currently occupied by Russian forces. Trump emphasized that while negotiations are progressing, the risk of a breakdown in talks still looms large.
Zelensky highlighted the critical nature of security guarantees, stating, “Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end.” Ukraine has been engaged in conflict with Russia since **2014**, following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and the subsequent uprising by Moscow-backed separatists in the **Donbas** region.
Details of the Security Guarantees
While specifics regarding the proposed security guarantees have yet to be publicly disclosed, Zelensky indicated that they would outline how a potential peace deal would be monitored and would involve the presence of international partners. He refrained from providing further details, particularly regarding the opposition from Russia to the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine. In a statement, Kremlin spokesman **Dmitry Peskov** confirmed that Russian President **Vladimir Putin** and Trump are expected to have a conversation soon, but there has been no indication that Putin would engage with Zelensky directly.
In response to the evolving situation, French President **Emmanuel Macron** announced that allies of Ukraine would convene in Paris in early **January 2024** to finalize their specific contributions to the security guarantees. Trump conveyed to Zelensky that he is open to considering an extension of U.S. guarantees beyond the proposed 15 years, should the situation warrant it. Approval for these guarantees would require consent from the **U.S. Congress** as well as the parliaments of other countries involved.
Zelensky also noted his intention for the proposed **20-point peace plan** to be put to a national referendum in Ukraine. However, such a vote would necessitate a ceasefire lasting at least **60 days**, a prospect that appears uncertain given Moscow’s reluctance to agree to a truce without a comprehensive settlement.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to watch closely, with hopes that these security guarantees could pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict that has persisted for nearly a decade.
