Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that he requested security guarantees lasting up to 50 years during high-level discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. The talks, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, come at a critical moment in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, as diplomatic efforts to craft a framework for peace accelerate amid continued missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian territory.
According to comments reported by Reuters, Zelenskyy emphasized that any negotiations with Russia would only proceed after Ukraine, the United States, and European leaders agree on a unified peace framework. The proposal underscores Kyiv’s long-standing concern: ensuring long-term protection against future Russian aggression.
Background: A War Entering a Critical Phase
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has evolved into one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of the 21st century.
Key realities shaping current peace discussions include:
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Russia’s continued occupation of parts of eastern and southern Ukraine
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Ukraine’s insistence on territorial integrity
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Western military, financial, and diplomatic support for Kyiv
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Growing global pressure to explore diplomatic solutions
Despite several attempts at dialogue, meaningful peace talks have repeatedly stalled due to irreconcilable positions on territory and security guarantees.
Zelenskyy’s Core Demand: Long-Term Security Guarantees
Why Security Guarantees Matter to Ukraine
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot accept a peace deal that leaves it vulnerable to renewed aggression. Based on past experience — including Russia’s violation of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum — Kyiv is demanding legally binding and enforceable security commitments.
Key Points of Zelenskyy’s Proposal
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Up to 50 years of security guarantees requested
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Current draft peace plan includes 15 years of guarantees
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Guarantees aimed at:
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Deterring future Russian military action
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Ensuring long-term stability
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Encouraging investment and reconstruction
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Zelenskyy made it clear that without such assurances, any ceasefire or peace agreement would only be temporary.
The 20-Point Peace Framework
Although details remain confidential, Zelenskyy referenced a 20-point peace plan currently under discussion.
Known Elements of the Framework
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Security guarantees backed by Western allies
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Territorial discussions deferred until after ceasefire
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International monitoring mechanisms
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Gradual sanctions adjustments tied to compliance
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Post-war reconstruction commitments
Zelenskyy noted that discussions with European leaders in the coming days would further refine the proposal.
Conditions for Talks With Russia
No Talks Without a Unified Western Position
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine will not negotiate directly with Russia unless:
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The United States and Europe agree on a joint framework
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Security guarantees are clearly defined
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Ukraine’s sovereignty is respected
This position reflects Kyiv’s concern about being pressured into concessions without adequate protection.
Referendum: Letting the Ukrainian People Decide
One of the most significant elements of Zelenskyy’s comments was his insistence that any peace deal must be approved by the Ukrainian people.
Referendum Conditions Proposed by Zelenskyy
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National referendum on the peace agreement
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Vote to be held during a 60-day ceasefire
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Full transparency of agreement terms
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Independent international observers
Zelenskyy stressed that legitimacy is essential for long-term peace, stating that Ukrainians must have the final say.
Continued Fighting Undermines Ceasefire Hopes
Despite diplomatic momentum, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Russia currently shows no interest in a ceasefire.
Recent Developments on the Ground
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Heavy Russian drone attacks across multiple Ukrainian regions
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Missile strikes targeting energy and civilian infrastructure
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Escalation undermining trust-building measures
“Russia clearly does not want a ceasefire for now,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting the challenge of advancing peace talks while hostilities continue.
Trump-Zelenskyy Talks in Florida
A “Really Great Discussion”
Zelenskyy described his meeting with Donald Trump as constructive, stating that:
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Security guarantees were “100% agreed” in principle
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The discussion covered military, political, and territorial issues
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Ukraine’s concerns were fully conveyed
Trump, however, offered a more cautious assessment.
Trump’s Perspective: Progress With Complications
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said the talks had gone well but acknowledged unresolved challenges.
Trump’s Key Statements
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“We’re getting a lot closer, maybe very close”
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“One or two very thorny issues remain”
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Major unresolved issue: territory
When asked to elaborate, Trump bluntly referred to land currently occupied by Russia.
“Some of that land has been taken. Some of that land is maybe up for grabs,” Trump said.
His comments suggested a pragmatic, deal-oriented approach, though one that raises concerns in Kyiv.
The Land Question: Donbas at the Center
Russia’s Position
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Demands Ukraine cede the Donbas region
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Rejects Western-backed security guarantees
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Claims annexed territories as Russian
Ukraine’s Response
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Firm rejection of territorial concessions
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Emphasis on internationally recognized borders
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Recognition that Donbas is only partially occupied
The fate of Donbas remains the single most contentious issue in any peace discussion.
Will Zelenskyy Meet Putin?
The possibility of a face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin remains uncertain.
Current Reality
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Both leaders have repeatedly refused direct talks
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Mutual distrust remains extremely high
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Any meeting would require major diplomatic breakthroughs
Zelenskyy has previously stated he would only meet Putin if it directly led to peace.
Trump’s Call With Putin
Trump revealed that he had spoken with Putin in a two-hour phone call prior to meeting Zelenskyy.
What We Know About the Call
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Discussed peace proposals
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Russia appeared reluctant to support a ceasefire
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No detailed commitments disclosed
Trump suggested that Moscow was not supportive of a pause in fighting to allow Ukraine to hold a referendum.
Kremlin’s Reaction
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the substance of the U.S.-Ukraine talks.
Official Kremlin Response
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Claimed lack of information
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Confirmed another Trump-Putin call is planned
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Stated assessments would follow future discussions
The restrained response reflects Moscow’s cautious diplomatic posture.
European Leaders: The Next Step
Zelenskyy plans to meet with European leaders in the coming days.
Expected Focus Areas
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Alignment on security guarantees
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Long-term military and financial support
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Unified messaging toward Russia
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Coordination with U.S. diplomatic efforts
Europe’s role will be crucial in determining whether guarantees extend beyond political promises.
Global Implications of a Ukraine Peace Deal
A peace agreement in Ukraine would have far-reaching consequences:
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Redefining European security architecture
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Setting precedents for territorial disputes
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Impacting NATO’s future posture
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Influencing global norms on sovereignty
The demand for decades-long security guarantees signals Ukraine’s determination not to repeat historical mistakes.
Conclusion
Zelenskyy’s request for up to 50 years of security guarantees reflects deep-seated concerns about Ukraine’s long-term survival as a sovereign nation. While diplomatic momentum appears to be building, major obstacles remain — particularly on territorial issues and Russia’s refusal to commit to a ceasefire.
As talks continue between Washington, Kyiv, Moscow, and European capitals, the world watches closely. Whether these discussions lead to a durable peace or another temporary pause will depend on the strength of guarantees, unity among allies, and the willingness of all sides to compromise without sacrificing core principles.