KYIV, Ukraine—President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed Monday that the United States has proposed a substantial 15-year security guarantee arrangement for Ukraine, with provisions for potential extension, following critical discussions with former President Donald Trump in Florida. While characterizing the offer as “solid,” Zelensky emphasized Kyiv’s preference for a significantly longer commitment spanning 30 to 50 years to ensure lasting protection against future Russian aggression.
The high-stakes meeting between the Ukrainian leader and the former U.S. president yielded notable progress toward resolving Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II, with both sides indicating negotiations are approaching their final phase. However, significant hurdles remain regarding territorial disputes and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility—issues Zelensky identified as the primary outstanding obstacles to a comprehensive peace agreement.
Zelensky reiterated the indispensable requirement of international military presence within Ukraine’s borders as a fundamental component of any security arrangement, a condition Moscow has historically opposed. Despite this, the Kremlin notably aligned with Trump’s assessment that diplomatic efforts are nearing conclusion, while simultaneously maintaining its maximalist position demanding Ukrainian withdrawal from eastern territories.
The Ukrainian government anticipates hosting European and American officials imminently to formalize documentation that would ultimately require ratification by Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and European partners. Zelensky underscored that without robust, long-term security guarantees, any resolution would remain incomplete given Ukraine’s precarious proximity to an aggressive neighbor.
Amid continued Russian missile attacks during the holiday period, Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in any negotiation format—including direct talks with Vladimir Putin—while simultaneously accusing the Russian leader of duplicity in conveying peaceful intentions to American leadership while simultaneously escalating military operations. Moscow continues to assert its objective of securing territorial concessions through either diplomatic or military means, recently claiming further advances in the Donetsk region as outgunned Ukrainian forces struggle to maintain defensive positions.