President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands at the start of a joint news conference following a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Palm Beach,
The United States has offered Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee as part of a proposed peace plan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the offer, calling it a step forward but not enough.
He said Ukraine needs longer protection to deter future Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy prefers guarantees lasting up to 50 years to ensure lasting stability.
The proposal comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday.
He claimed Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to a peace settlement.
Still, major obstacles remain unresolved.
Security Guarantees at the Core of Peace Talks
Zelenskyy stressed that security guarantees are essential to ending the war.
He warned that without them, any agreement would collapse quickly.
The Ukrainian leader said the guarantees include monitoring mechanisms and partner involvement.
However, specific details have not been made public.
Russia has already rejected one key element.
Moscow opposes the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine.
This stance limits options for enforcing a future settlement.
It also complicates efforts to reassure Kyiv.
Ukraine has been at war with Russia since 2014.
That year, Moscow annexed Crimea illegally.
Pro-Russian separatists also launched an insurgency in eastern Ukraine.
The conflict escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Trump Pushes Diplomacy Amid Uncertainty
Trump described his recent diplomacy as productive.
He spoke separately with Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to the White House, Trump and Putin had a “positive” phone call Monday.
Trump later called it a “very good talk.”
Despite optimism, Trump admitted talks could still fail.
Several “thorny issues” remain unresolved.
These include troop withdrawals and control of key territories.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is among the biggest disputes.
Putin, meanwhile, is pressing for a comprehensive settlement.
He has rejected any temporary ceasefire.
His advisers say Ukraine should not seek a military pause.
Russia wants a full agreement before halting fighting.
Drone Allegations Raise Tensions
During Monday’s call, Putin made a serious allegation.
He claimed Ukraine tried to attack his residence with long-range drones.
The alleged attack occurred shortly after Trump met Zelenskyy.
Russian officials warned of a strong response.
Zelenskyy firmly denied the claim.
He called it a lie meant to derail peace efforts.
He said Russia is unsettled by diplomatic progress.
Ukraine insists it had no role in such an attack.
Trump reacted cautiously to the allegation.
He said he did not like the reported incident.
Trump confirmed Putin raised the issue during their call.
The claim added fresh tension to fragile talks.
Russia Claims Battlefield Momentum
Putin says Russian forces are advancing on the ground.
He claimed gains in eastern Donetsk and southern Zaporizhzhia.
The Russian leader portrays negotiations as favoring Moscow.
Ukraine disputes many of these battlefield claims.
Putin also emphasized border security.
He ordered the creation of military buffer zones.
According to him, this protects Russia’s border regions.
Kyiv views such language as expansionist.
Allies and Approval Processes Ahead
French President Emmanuel Macron announced further talks.
Ukraine’s allies will meet in Paris in early January.
The goal is to finalize contributions to security guarantees.
European involvement remains crucial.
Zelenskyy said Trump may consider longer guarantees.
Any agreement would require U.S. congressional approval.
Other countries’ parliaments would also need to sign off.
This process could take months.
Zelenskyy also wants public backing at home.
He said Ukrainians should approve the peace plan in a referendum.
That vote requires a 60-day ceasefire.
Russia has shown no willingness to agree.
Ukrainians Remain Skeptical
On Kyiv’s streets, doubts are widespread.
Many Ukrainians distrust Putin’s intentions.
A wounded veteran said the sacrifices demand recognition.
He believes Ukraine must defend its existence.
Younger Ukrainians see limited hope.
Some welcome dialogue despite concerns.
Experts remain cautious about real peace.
They warn negotiations still ignore international law.
For now, the US Ukraine security guarantee remains a proposal.
Its scope, strength, and duration will define the next phase.
