US Offers 15-Year Security Guarantees to Ukraine, Kyiv Seeks Longer Term

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday confirmed that the United States has offered Ukraine solid security guarantees for 15 years, with a possibility of extension. However, Kyiv is pushing for a longer-term commitment, saying the 15-year period is insufficient for lasting peace.

Zelensky made the remarks after meeting former US President Donald Trump in Florida, where discussions focused on ending nearly four years of conflict with Russia.

Key Issues in Peace Talks

The Ukrainian president highlighted territorial disputes and the future of the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as the remaining unresolved issues in any potential peace agreement.

He emphasized the importance of international troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees, a proposal historically rejected by Russia. Despite this, the Kremlin agreed with Trump’s view that negotiations were in their final stages, though it continues to demand Kyiv’s withdrawal from eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine Seeks Broader Support

Zelensky stated that Kyiv hopes to meet with European and American officials in the coming days to finalize documents for ending the conflict.

“Any agreement to end Europe’s worst conflict since World War II must involve Ukraine, Russia, the US, and Europe,” he said, stressing that security guarantees remain a top priority.

“Without proper security guarantees, this war cannot be considered truly over. With such a neighbor, the risk of renewed aggression remains,” Zelensky added.

Calls for Extended Guarantees

During the talks, Zelensky told Trump that the 15-year offer is too short, suggesting a desire for 30, 40, or even 50-year guarantees. Trump responded that he would consider the proposal.

Russia Continues Aggression

As discussions progressed, Russia maintained missile strikes into Ukraine during the holiday season, while reiterating maximalist territorial demands.

Zelensky noted, “On one hand, Putin tells the US president he wants peace, but on the other, he strikes us with missiles and instructs his generals to advance.” He insisted that Kyiv is open to any format of negotiations, including meetings with Putin, but doubts the Kremlin’s commitment to peace.

Territorial Disputes Remain Unresolved

Moscow continues to demand Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donbas still under Kyiv’s control. Trump acknowledged that territorial issues remain unresolved but are approaching a solution.

The current plan, refined after weeks of US-Ukrainian negotiations, would freeze the war along current frontlines in eastern Donbas and establish a demilitarized zone, while Russia continues to push for territorial concessions.