Zelenskyy Seeks Extended U.S. Security Guarantees Amid Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested U.S. security guarantees for a period of 30 to 50 years during recent discussions with President Donald Trump. The current draft peace plan includes a 15-year security commitment from the United States, which Zelenskyy hopes to extend to deter future aggression from Russia.

The two leaders met at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of involving European leaders in the peace process and expressed a desire to host a meeting in Kyiv with American and European officials in the near future.

President Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia are "closer than ever before" to reaching a peace settlement, though he acknowledged that "one or two very thorny issues" remain unresolved.

Zelenskyy indicated that any peace agreement should be subject to a national referendum in Ukraine, to be held during a 60-day ceasefire. He noted that Russia has not yet agreed to such a ceasefire.

The discussions come amid continued hostilities, including recent missile and drone attacks on Kyiv by Russian forces, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Further negotiations are expected to continue, with both leaders expressing a commitment to achieving a lasting peace agreement.