What Security Guarantees is the US Offering Ukraine in the Ongoing Conflict?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the US is proposing a 15-year security guarantee as part of a peace plan, although he prefers a longer commitment. The ongoing negotiations face challenges, including military withdrawals and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. With the conflict ongoing since 2014, Zelenskyy aims for a national referendum on the proposed peace plan, but a ceasefire is necessary for this to happen. As discussions continue, the international community watches closely.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 18:46 IST

US Proposes Long-Term Security Guarantees for Ukraine

Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that the United States is proposing security guarantees for Ukraine lasting 15 years as part of a peace initiative. However, he expressed a preference for a commitment of up to 50 years to effectively deter Russia from further aggression.

During a meeting at his Florida resort on Sunday, US President Donald Trump emphasized that Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to reaching a peace agreement.

Negotiators are still working to resolve critical issues, such as the withdrawal of military forces and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the largest in the world. Trump cautioned that the ongoing US-led negotiations could still fall apart.

"Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end," Zelenskyy stated in voice messages to reporters via WhatsApp.

Since 2014, Ukraine has been engaged in conflict with Russia, which annexed Crimea and supported separatists in the Donbas region.

While the specifics of the security guarantees remain undisclosed, Zelenskyy mentioned that they would outline how a peace agreement would be monitored and the involvement of partner nations. He did not provide further details, but Russia has previously stated it would not accept NATO troops in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump are expected to communicate soon, but there is no sign that Putin will engage with Zelenskyy.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that allies of Kyiv will convene in Paris in early January to finalize each nation's contributions to the security guarantees.

According to Zelenskyy, Trump is open to extending US security guarantees for Ukraine beyond the initial 15 years. These guarantees would require approval from the US Congress and other involved nations' parliaments.

Zelenskyy expressed his desire for the proposed 20-point peace plan to be ratified by the Ukrainian populace through a national referendum.

However, conducting such a vote necessitates a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days, and Moscow has shown no inclination to agree to a truce without a comprehensive settlement.