UPDATE: The United States has just announced a significant security guarantee for Ukraine, pledging support for a period of 15 years as part of ongoing peace negotiations, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This development comes as Zelensky emphasizes the need for a stronger commitment of up to 50 years to effectively deter any future aggression from Russia.
In a meeting at his Florida resort on Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the peace talks, stating that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to reaching a settlement. However, key sticking points remain unresolved, including the withdrawal of military forces and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the largest in the world.
“Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end,” Zelensky conveyed in urgent voice messages to reporters. Since 2014, Ukraine has been embroiled in conflict with Russia following the illegal annexation of Crimea and the rise of Moscow-backed separatists in the Donbas region.
Details surrounding the security guarantees remain limited. Zelensky indicated that they include mechanisms for monitoring a potential peace agreement and the involvement of international partners. However, he refrained from providing specifics, amid concerns that Russia would not accept the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump is anticipated soon, but there is no indication that Putin will engage directly with Zelensky. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for a meeting in Paris in early January 2024 to finalize contributions from Kyiv’s allies toward the security guarantees.
Trump has suggested the possibility of extending U.S. commitments beyond the proposed 15 years. However, any final guarantee must receive approval from the U.S. Congress and the parliaments of other nations involved in the oversight of the peace process.
Zelensky has also revealed his desire for a national referendum to approve the proposed 20-point peace plan. Nonetheless, a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days is required to hold such a vote, and Russia has shown little willingness to agree to a truce without a comprehensive settlement.
As negotiations continue, the international community is watching closely. The implications of these security guarantees could shape the future of Ukraine and its defense strategy against Russian aggression.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
