At a Glance
- U.S. offers 15-year guarantees to Ukraine; Zelenskyy pushes for 50 years as talks stall over Zaporizhzhia.
- Russia says it moves in Donetsk.
- Zelenskyy stresses that without security guarantees the war will not end.
- Why it matters: The outcome of these talks will shape Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional stability.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced Monday that the United States is ready to provide a 15-year security guarantee. He added that a longer, 50-year commitment would be preferable to deter further Russian aggression. The offer is part of a broader peace plan still in negotiation.
U.S. Security Guarantees and Negotiation Dynamics
Donald Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his Florida resort on Sunday, insisting that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a settlement. The U.S. guarantee would be subject to approval by Congress and foreign parliaments overseeing the deal. Zelenskyy said the guarantee would cover monitoring of the peace agreement and the presence of partner forces.
- Key elements of the guarantee
- Monitoring of the peace deal’s implementation
- Presence of partner forces on Ukrainian territory
- Congressional and parliamentary oversight
Zelenskyy also highlighted the need for a 20-point peace plan to be approved by Ukrainians in a national referendum. A ceasefire of at least 60 days is required before a vote, a condition Moscow has not agreed to.
Russia’s Position and Military Developments
Vladimir Putin claimed on Monday that Russian troops are advancing in the eastern Donetsk region and pressing the offensive in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. He stressed the importance of creating military buffer zones along Russia’s border, describing it as a critical task for border security.
- Putin’s main claims
- Advancing forces in Donetsk
- Offensive pressure in Zaporizhzhia
- Need for buffer zones along the Russian frontier
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and Trump were expected to speak soon, but there was no indication that Putin would address Zelenskyy directly.
Ukrainian Public and Expert Reactions
In Kyiv, skepticism runs high. Sensei, a 65-year-old veteran, said that the sacrifices made in Bakhmut are not in vain and that the country must prove its right to exist. Denys Shpylovyi, a 20-year-old student, expressed cautious optimism, hoping that dialogue will bring hope someday.
Oleh Saakian, a Ukrainian political scientist, warned that the negotiations are based on equality between aggressor and victim, ignoring international law and European security. He said the talks do not bring Ukraine closer to peace.
Sensei stated:
> “But all these sacrifices, they are not in vain, because we need to prove …”
Denys Shpylovyi said:
> “I’m thankful for some progress. They are speaking, and maybe someday there will be hope.”
Oleh Saakian said:
> “I don’t see these negotiations bringing us closer to real peace, because they are based on equality between the aggressor and the victim, they are based on complete disregard for international law, and … disregard for European security.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said:
> “Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end.”
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Drone Attack
Sergey Lavrov alleged that Ukraine launched an attack on Putin’s residence in Novgorod using 91 long-range drones overnight. He claimed all drones were destroyed and that there were no casualties or damage. Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as another lie, saying Moscow is unnerved by peace progress.
- Lavrov’s allegations
- 91 long-range drones used
- All drones destroyed, no casualties
- No damage reported
Zelenskyy called the claim a lie and a distraction.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 24, 2022 | Russia’s full-blown invasion | Russia |
| Jan 2024 | Zelenskyy meets Trump in Florida | Ukraine, U.S. |
| Jan 2024 | Macron announces Paris meeting | France, Ukraine allies |
| Jan 2024 | Putin claims advances in Donetsk | Russia |
The talks are expected to reach a breakthrough in January, before the fourth anniversary of the invasion.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. offers a 15-year guarantee, with a 50-year option, subject to congressional approval.
- Russia claims continued military advances and pushes for buffer zones.
- Ukrainian public remains skeptical, with veterans and scholars voicing doubts about the negotiations.
The outcome of these talks will determine Ukraine’s future security and the balance of power in Eastern Europe.
