On December 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar‑a‑Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. The meeting, lasting nearly two hours, was part of ongoing efforts to explore a potential peace settlement in the Russia‑Ukraine war. At the center of discussions was a draft proposal in which the United States would provide Ukraine with security guarantees lasting 15 years, a commitment that could be extended depending on future negotiations.
The Proposal: 15 Years of Security Guarantees
According to Zelensky, the U.S. offer outlines a framework where Washington would act as a guarantor of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity for a period of 15 years. This would include military assistance, intelligence sharing, and possibly joint defense exercises. The guarantees are designed to deter further Russian aggression and reassure Ukrainians that they will not be left vulnerable once active fighting subsides.
Trump emphasized during the meeting that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace settlement, suggesting that the U.S. commitment could serve as a bridge toward long‑term stability.
Zelensky’s Push for a Longer Commitment
While acknowledging the significance of the U.S. offer, Zelensky made clear that he believes 15 years is insufficient. He argued that the war has already lasted nearly 15 years if one counts Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and subsequent hostilities. For Ukraine, a guarantee of only 15 years risks being symbolic rather than transformative.
Zelensky publicly stated that he requested a 50‑year guarantee, or at least a longer horizon such as 30 or 40 years, to ensure that future generations of Ukrainians would not face renewed threats from Moscow. He described such a commitment as “historic” and essential to truly deter Russia from attempting another invasion.
The Peace Plan Context
The security guarantees are part of a broader 20‑point peace plan reportedly discussed between Trump, Zelensky, and indirectly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Key issues include:
- Withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territories.
- The future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the largest in Europe.
- Guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
- Potential economic reconstruction packages supported by the U.S. and European allies.
Trump indicated that he had spoken with Putin about the plan, though no breakthrough was announced. Zelensky stressed that any agreement must be backed by formal documents and approved by both the U.S. Congress and European partners.
Strategic Significance
The U.S. proposal represents a major shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict. Rather than offering indefinite military aid packages, the idea of a fixed‑term security guarantee provides a structured commitment. For Ukraine, this could mean predictable support and a stronger deterrent against Russian aggression.
For the U.S., a 15‑year guarantee balances long‑term involvement with political feasibility. It avoids the perception of an open‑ended military entanglement while still signaling strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the optimism surrounding the meeting, several challenges remain:
- Duration of the guarantee: Zelensky’s insistence on a longer commitment highlights a gap between Ukrainian expectations and U.S. willingness.
- Congressional approval: Any binding security guarantee would require approval from the U.S. Congress, where debates over foreign aid and military commitments are often contentious.
- Russian response: Moscow has not formally reacted to the proposal, but analysts warn that Russia may view long‑term U.S. guarantees as provocative.
- European role: Zelensky emphasized that European leaders must also be part of the agreement, ensuring that Ukraine’s security is not solely dependent on Washington.
Human Dimension
For ordinary Ukrainians, the prospect of a U.S. security guarantee offers hope after years of war. It signals that their struggle is recognized and that powerful allies are willing to stand by them. However, skepticism remains. Many Ukrainians worry that political changes in Washington could undermine commitments, especially if future administrations adopt different foreign policy priorities.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
The Trump–Zelensky meeting carries implications beyond Ukraine. A U.S. security guarantee could reshape NATO’s role, influence European defense strategies, and alter Russia’s calculations. It may also set a precedent for how the U.S. engages in long‑term security arrangements outside of formal alliances.
For Russia, the proposal underscores that its invasion has triggered deeper U.S. involvement in Eastern Europe. For Europe, it raises questions about burden‑sharing and whether EU nations are prepared to match America’s commitments.
Conclusion
The Florida meeting between Trump and Zelensky marked a pivotal moment in the search for peace in Ukraine. The 15‑year U.S. security guarantee represents a significant gesture of support, but Zelensky’s call for a longer commitment highlights the enduring fears of renewed Russian aggression.
While no breakthrough was achieved, the discussions laid the groundwork for future negotiations. Whether the proposal evolves into a binding agreement will depend on U.S. congressional approval, European cooperation, and Russia’s willingness to engage.
For now, the meeting symbolizes both progress and uncertainty: progress in the form of concrete proposals, and uncertainty in the gap between what Ukraine seeks and what the U.S. is prepared to offer. The coming months will reveal whether this bold initiative becomes a cornerstone of peace or another chapter in the long struggle for Ukraine’s security.
