Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed Monday some details regarding his discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning a proposed framework for peace in Ukraine. The discussions center around ending the ongoing conflict with Russia.
During an online press conference, Zelensky explained that the proposed draft includes American security guarantees for Ukraine spanning 15 years. He indicated that he requested the American side to extend these guarantees to 30, 40, or even 50 years. According to Zelensky, Trump pledged to consider this proposal.
The Ukrainian President further stated that the peace plan comprises 20 points and emphasized the necessity of subjecting it to a referendum in Ukraine. He clarified that such a referendum would require a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. Zelensky stressed that any agreement to end the war must be signed by Kyiv, Moscow, the United States, and relevant European nations.
Trump announced Sunday evening that reaching an agreement to end the war is nearing, but he has not yet achieved a breakthrough on the issue of disputed territories following his conversations with the Ukrainian and Russian presidents. He added that the possibility of ending the conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives since February 2022, will become clearer within weeks.
The current plan, which has been revised after weeks of intensive American-Ukrainian negotiations, stipulates a cessation of hostilities along the current front lines in the eastern Donbas region. It also proposes the establishment of a demilitarized zone, in exchange for American and European security guarantees for Kyiv.
Moscow, however, maintains its demand for control over Donbas, in addition to insisting that Ukraine abandon its aspirations to join NATO and prevent the deployment of European forces on its territory. Russia has also reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas. Despite these sticking points, the Kremlin has expressed agreement with Trump’s statements indicating that a peace agreement is approaching.
