Zelenskyy seeks long-term US security guarantees, says he’s ready for talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has asked US President Donald Trump to consider providing Ukraine with long-term security guarantees lasting 30 to 50 years, adding that Trump agreed to review the proposal.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is already set to receive US security guarantees for a 15-year period, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media. 

Speaking about diplomatic planning, Zelenskyy said Kyiv hopes to convene a meeting of US and European advisers in January to align on key documents and prepare for Trump’s contacts with European leaders. Only after that, he said, could negotiations with Russia become possible.

Zelenskyy emphasised that martial law in Ukraine can be lifted only once credible security guarantees are in place. A ceasefire alone, he warned, would not end the war, arguing that without international monitoring there remains a risk of renewed Russian aggression.

Any agreements, Zelenskyy said, must rest on binding guarantees endorsed by the US Congress, Ukraine’s parliament, and the national parliaments of European countries. He added that Ukraine believes its proposed 20-point plan to end the war should be confirmed through a nationwide referendum, contingent on at least 60 days of a complete ceasefire and the establishment of a reliable security system.

Zelenskyy also said he discussed an economic support package with Trump, including greater participation by American companies, special development conditions for Ukraine, and the possibility of a free trade agreement.

The president noted that the deployment of international troops on Ukrainian territory would strengthen security guarantees and provide confidence to citizens, the military, and businesses that Russia would not launch a new attack.

Zelenskyy reiterated his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in any format, but said such talks would be possible only if Russia’s actions match its statements.

While Moscow has declared an interest in peace, he said, it continues missile strikes, attacks civilian infrastructure, and signals its readiness to continue military operations—conditions under which, he added, meaningful negotiations are not possible.

By Sabina Mammadli