Trump Offered Ukraine 15-Year Security Guarantee as Part of Peace Plan, Zelenskyy Says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that former US President Donald Trump offered Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee as part of a broader peace plan. Zelenskyy indicated he would prefer guarantees extending up to 50 years to effectively deter Moscow.
The proposed guarantees include monitoring and the presence of partner countries. The plan, which consists of a 20-point framework, is awaiting approval through a Ukrainian referendum and endorsements by the US Congress and other parliaments.
Negotiators are aiming for breakthroughs concerning the withdrawal of forces and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, even as fighting continues in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Trump, who hosted Zelenskyy at his Florida resort, stated that Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to a peace settlement. He also mentioned he would consider extending the US security guarantees beyond the initial 15 years.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the guarantees require approval by the US Congress and other parliaments, and a 60-day ceasefire will be necessary to conduct a national referendum.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Ukraine attacked his residence with long-range drones, a claim Zelenskyy dismissed as false and an attempt to derail negotiations. Trump said he will verify the claim.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that allies will meet in Paris in early January to finalize their contributions to the security guarantees. The White House described a recent call between Trump and Putin ahead of Zelenskyy's talks as positive.
