Zelenskyy: US Offers Ukraine 15-Year Security Guarantee as Part of Peace Plan
The United States has proposed a 15-year security guarantee for Ukraine as part of a peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who advocates for a longer commitment to deter further aggression. During a meeting with President Trump, Zelenskyy acknowledged the complexities of negotiations, particularly regarding military withdrawals and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. While Trump emphasized the potential for a peace settlement, he warned that U.S.-led discussions could falter without security assurances. Zelenskyy aims for the 20-point peace plan to undergo a national referendum, although achieving a ceasefire remains a significant obstacle. The upcoming Paris meeting of Kyiv's allies is expected to finalize contributions to the security guarantees.
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Zelenskyy expressed a preference for a 50-year security commitment from the U.S. to effectively deter Russian aggression in Ukraine, highlighting ongoing threats since the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Negotiations are ongoing, with key issues including the withdrawal of military forces and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a critical infrastructure site currently under Russian control.
Trump indicated that a peace agreement is within reach but cautioned that the negotiations, which have extended for months, could collapse without solid security guarantees.
The security guarantees would need approval from the U.S. Congress and other involved nations, emphasizing the international dimension of the conflict.
Zelenskyy noted that a national referendum on the peace plan would require a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days, a demand that Moscow has not agreed to fulfill.