At a Glance
- US offers Ukraine 15-year security guarantees in a proposed peace plan.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy wants guarantees of up to 50 years to deter Russia.
- Negotiations remain stalled over troop withdrawals and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- Why it matters: The U.S. commitment signals a key diplomatic pivot while highlighting the obstacles that could keep the conflict alive.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would provide Ukraine with 15-year security guarantees as part of a broader peace plan. President Zelenskyy, however, has urged for guarantees extending up to 50 years to more effectively deter Russian aggression. The talks, still under negotiation, hinge on complex military and political issues.
Peace Talks and Security Guarantees
Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his Florida resort Sunday, emphasizing that the two sides are ‘closer than ever before’ to a settlement. The guarantees would be approved by the U.S. Congress and parliaments of other participating countries, according to Trump.
- Withdrawal of forces in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.
- Fate of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- Monitoring of peace deal.
Zelenskyy said:
> “Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end.”
Zelenskyy also stressed that a 20-point peace plan must be approved by a Ukrainian referendum, which would require at least a 60-day ceasefire-something Moscow has been reluctant to offer.
Russian Military Claims and Diplomacy
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Monday that Russian troops are advancing in the eastern Donetsk region and pressing their offensive in southern Zaporizhzhia. He also called for buffer zones along Russia’s border to secure its regions.
Peskov said:
> “Putin and Trump were expected to speak in the near future, but there was no indication the Russian leader would speak to Zelenskyy.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the talks could collapse if the month-long negotiations stall.
Accusations and Public Skepticism
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged that Ukraine attacked Putin’s residence in Novgorod with 91 long-range drones. Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as another lie.
Lavrov said:
> “Ukraine launched an attack on Putin’s residence… all drones were destroyed, with no casualties or damage.”
Zelenskyy said:
> “Another lie.”
Ukrainian veterans, students, and political scientists expressed doubts about Putin’s sincerity and the likelihood of a genuine peace settlement.
Key Takeaways
- US offers 15-year security guarantees; Zelenskyy pushes for 50 years.
- Negotiations stalled over troop withdrawals and nuclear plant status.
- Russian claims and accusations add tension, while Ukrainian public remains skeptical.
The evolving dialogue underscores the complexity of achieving a lasting peace, with both sides weighing security commitments against political realities.
