Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed that a proposed peace framework includes US security guarantees for Ukraine lasting 15 years, a significant reduction from the half-century of protection he personally requested from former US President Donald Trump.
High-Stakes Diplomacy at Mar-a-Lago
The revelation came following a critical meeting between the two leaders at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida yesterday. Speaking to reporters via WhatsApp, Zelenskyy confirmed he had asked Trump for security assurances spanning up to 50 years. The discussion forms part of the intense diplomatic efforts to end the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and has now lasted nearly four years.
While the exact nature of the proposed 15-year guarantees remains unspecified, Zelenskyy has long advocated for "article-5-like" commitments from Western allies. This refers to the core NATO principle that treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, a level of protection Ukraine currently lacks.
Progress and Persistent Sticking Points
Both leaders indicated that the Florida talks yielded progress on a revised 20-point proposal to end the conflict. Zelenskyy stated that the US security guarantees within this plan are "100% agreed". Trump struck a more cautious tone, estimating agreement at around 95% and highlighting that "one or two tough" issues remain unresolved.
A major outstanding point of contention is territory, specifically the future status of the eastern Donbas region, which is largely under Russian control. Trump noted that a proposal to turn Donbas into a demilitarised zone is still "unresolved". He added that it should become clear within weeks whether a path to ending the war is feasible.
A Complex Path Forward
In a notable comment, Trump expressed sympathy for Russia's position, stating, "You have to understand the other side," and noting Moscow's reluctance to agree to a ceasefire. Despite the challenges, both leaders stressed that the lengthy peace negotiations will continue.
The development underscores the fragile and complex state of diplomacy aimed at halting Europe's largest conflict in decades. The gap between Ukraine's request for a 50-year security umbrella and the current 15-year draft framework highlights the difficult compromises being debated behind closed doors.
