Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a robust security guarantee from the United States, proposing a term of up to 50 years to deter future Russian aggression. During a recent audio message, Zelensky confirmed that he discussed this request with former President Donald Trump, who is currently engaged in negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The proposed security arrangement, which is currently being considered as part of a peace plan, would initially span 15 years but could potentially be extended. Zelensky expressed his desire for a longer commitment, stating, “We would like to consider the possibility of 30, 40, 50 years, and then it will be a historic decision by Trump.” He emphasized that US security guarantees, if confirmed by Congress, would complement pledges from nations in the Coalition of the Willing to provide effective protection for Ukraine.
Details of the Proposed Security Framework
Zelensky outlined various components of the security guarantees, which include monitoring of the ceasefire by international partners, as well as technical oversight and presence in the region. He noted that both negotiating teams acknowledged the necessity for “strong” US security guarantees to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
These discussions followed a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where both leaders assessed the progress of negotiations to end Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. Trump remarked that “a lot of progress” was made, although several critical issues remain unresolved, such as the status of territories in eastern Ukraine and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control.
Zelensky highlighted that no agreement was reached regarding Vladimir Putin’s demand for Ukraine to withdraw from the contested Donbas region. Uncertainties also persist concerning US proposals for a demilitarized or free economic zone in eastern Ukraine, particularly regarding territorial control.
Next Steps in Negotiations
Trump expressed optimism about the potential for an agreement, indicating that while it might take weeks to finalize, a deal is “getting a lot closer.” Zelensky stated that the peace plan is “90 per cent agreed,” signaling a significant advancement in discussions.
Both leaders engaged in conversations with European officials following their meeting. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, another telephone conversation between Trump and Putin is expected to occur “very soon.” Zelensky has also indicated a desire for a meeting with European partners and Trump in January 2024, followed by separate discussions with Russian representatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned that the Coalition of the Willing is set to convene in early January to reassess its support for Ukraine.
As negotiations continue, the Ukrainian government has been revising a previously proposed 28-point draft plan, initially seen as favoring Russia. The latest iteration consists of 20 points, though Moscow has indicated its rejection of certain elements, particularly those concerning Ukraine’s post-war military capabilities.
Russia is also pushing for assurances against NATO’s eastward expansion, clarity on Ukraine’s neutral status regarding EU membership, and the lifting of sanctions, as well as the status of Russian state assets frozen in Western countries.
Zelensky, in his discussions with Trump, emphasized that Ukraine is primarily focused on achieving a peaceful resolution, urging Putin to demonstrate goodwill by ceasing military actions against Ukraine. He remarked, “These actions do not coincide with the peaceful vocabulary that he uses in dialogue with the US president.”
The ongoing conflict remains one of the deadliest in Europe since World War II, and the international community continues to watch closely as the situation evolves.
