Zelensky Seeks Extended Security Guarantees in US Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States has offered Ukraine “solid” security guarantees for a period of 15 years. The offer, however, comes with the potential for extension, which Zelensky argues is insufficient, calling for guarantees of 30 to 50 years. This development followed discussions with former US President Donald Trump in Florida, where Trump claimed that a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia was closer than ever.

During the meeting, Zelensky emphasized that the remaining issues include territorial disputes and the status of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently occupied by Russian forces. He stated that the presence of international troops in Ukraine is essential for security guarantees, a condition Russia has historically rejected. The Kremlin echoed Trump’s sentiment that negotiations were nearing a conclusion but reiterated its demands for Ukraine to withdraw from eastern territories.

Zelensky indicated that Ukraine hopes to convene discussions with European and American officials in the near future to work on a formal agreement to resolve the conflict. He specified that any agreement must involve the signatures of Ukraine, Russia, the US, and European nations. The president remarked, “Without security guarantees, this war cannot be considered truly over.” He added that the 15-year timeline proposed by the US is inadequate for ensuring lasting peace.

As the holiday season approaches, Russian attacks continue unabated. Zelensky described the situation as dire, asserting that Moscow is not genuinely interested in peace negotiations. “On the one hand, [Putin] tells the president of the United States that he wants to end the war, and on the other hand, he strikes us with missiles,” Zelensky remarked, highlighting the contradiction in Russia’s diplomatic and military actions.

The conflict has persisted for nearly four years, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The Kremlin has consistently sought to retain control over all occupied territories and demands further land in eastern Ukraine still held by Kyiv. Moscow recently warned that Ukraine is at risk of losing more territory if it does not comply with its demands.

Zelensky’s discussions with Trump also focused on the unresolved territorial issues, with both leaders acknowledging the complexity of reaching a satisfactory conclusion. Trump stated, “It’s unresolved, but it’s getting a lot closer. That’s a very tough issue, but one that I think will get resolved.” As part of the proposed plan, the war would ideally be halted along current frontlines in the eastern Donbas region, establishing a demilitarized zone, but Russia’s reluctance to compromise complicates the situation.

Ukrainian forces, already stretched thin, have struggled to maintain their positions against a renewed Russian offensive. Reports indicate that Russian troops captured the village of Dibrova in the Donetsk region on December 11, 2023, further demonstrating the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian defenses.

The international community continues to watch the unfolding situation closely, hoping for a shift towards peace. As negotiations progress, Zelensky remains steadfast in his commitment to securing long-term guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.