The United States has offered Ukraine security guarantees lasting 15 years as part of a revised peace plan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed following talks with former US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday.
Speaking after the meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, Zelensky said negotiations toward a broader peace agreement were about 90% complete. Trump echoed that optimism, claiming the deal was “close to 95%” finalized, while indicating that European allies would shoulder much of the responsibility for guaranteeing Ukraine’s long-term security, with US support.
However, Zelensky signaled that Kyiv is seeking even stronger assurances. While welcoming the 15-year proposal, he said Ukraine would prefer guarantees lasting 30, 40, or even 50 years, stressing that without firm security commitments, the war cannot truly be considered over given the risk of renewed Russian aggression.
Two major issues remain unresolved: territorial disputes and the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Moscow currently controls most of the Donbas region, including roughly three-quarters of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk. Trump acknowledged that Donbas remains a sticking point, though he said progress is being made.
Russia has consistently rejected compromises over Donbas, reiterating on Monday that Ukraine must withdraw its remaining forces from the region. Kyiv, meanwhile, has suggested the area could become a free economic zone under Ukrainian policing, with Zelensky emphasizing that any final decision must involve the Ukrainian people.
Despite lingering disagreements and Russia’s prior rejection of key elements of the plan, the Kremlin signaled cautious optimism. A spokesperson agreed with Trump’s assessment that peace may be closer than at any previous stage in the conflict, according to Russian state media.