Zelenskyy and Trump Discuss US Security Guarantees and Peace Plan for Ukraine at Mar-a-Lago
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the US has agreed to provide Ukraine with strong security guarantees for 15 years as part of a 20-point peace plan discussed with former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. These guarantees are intended to deter future Russian aggression, with the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament jointly voting on the pledges. However, the details of the commitments remain unclear.
Zelenskyy noted that the promises made in the Budapest memorandum did not prevent aggression, and Trump ruled out the deployment of peacekeeping troops. Zelenskyy has urged for longer guarantees of 30, 40, or even 50 years, which Trump indicated he would consider. He also suggested that international monitors in postwar Ukraine would serve as the best form of security.
The Ukrainian president proposed creating a demilitarised, free economic zone along the frontline with both sides pulling back troops, and indicated that a national referendum could take place if Russia agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days.
From the Russian side, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Kyiv would need to withdraw from a fortress belt in Donetsk oblast, warning that further territory could be at risk if an agreement is not reached. Zelenskyy, however, ruled out ceding land.
Trump expressed optimism, saying a deal to end the war was closer than ever. A joint follow-up meeting with Zelenskyy is likely in January, possibly at the White House, and Trump has also communicated with European leaders via video from Mar-a-Lago.
