Zelensky urges the US to extend security guarantees to Ukraine up to 50 years as peace talks with Trump advance amid territorial disputes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to extend security guarantees for Ukraine up to 50 years during discussions on a revised peace plan with former US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday.
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Trump stated that agreement on the guarantees was “close to 95% done,” but Zelensky emphasised that a longer-term commitment was essential.
The leaders also discussed territorial issues and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which remain unresolved, while the future of Ukraine’s contested Donbas region was only lightly addressed.
Speaking at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, Zelensky said security guarantees were crucial for ensuring lasting peace.
“Without security guarantees, this war cannot be considered truly over. We cannot acknowledge that it has ended, because with such a neighbour there remains a risk of renewed aggression,” he said, adding that he hoped for guarantees spanning 30 to 50 years.
Trump indicated that European allies would “take over a big part” of the guarantees with US support but provided no confirmation on the time frame.
Russia controls about 75% of the Donetsk region and 99% of Luhansk, collectively known as Donbas.
Moscow has rejected key elements of the proposed plan, though a Kremlin spokesperson reportedly agreed with Trump’s assessment that peace was closer.
Zelensky suggested Ukrainian officials could meet at the White House in January, possibly alongside European leaders, to finalise further discussions.
European leaders have also weighed in.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised “good progress” in the Florida talks while stressing the need for “ironclad security guarantees” for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Kyiv’s allies would convene in Paris next month to continue discussions.
Zelensky has proposed that the peace plan be put to a referendum in Ukraine, contingent on a 60-day ceasefire.
Russia, however, has rejected a temporary truce, arguing it could prolong the conflict a stance confirmed during a pre-meeting call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, military activity continued overnight.
Kyiv reported 25 Russian airstrikes on Sunday, 21 of which were intercepted, while Russia claimed to have neutralised 89 Ukrainian drones, mainly over the Bryansk region.
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The talks signal a cautious step forward in negotiations, with security guarantees, territorial disputes, and nuclear safety remaining the core sticking points in Ukraine’s ongoing bid for peace.
