🔗 Share this article The United States Has Offered 15 Years of Defense Assurances, Says Zelenskyy. Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy has announced that Washington has outlined a proposed peace plan featuring defense assurances for the country spanning a period of a decade and a half. The Framework's Specifics President Zelenskyy stated that in the course of significant talks with American leader Donald Trump, he had requested security guarantees for up to 50 years. Yet, the outlined plan envisions a reduced guarantee of fifteen years from America. The exact form is uncertain what form these commitments would assume, but the president has been insisting on "defense pledges similar to NATO's Article 5, inspired by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's core tenet that an attack on one member is treated as an act of war against every member. Progress on Peace Talks The President stated, Washington's protection assurances for Ukraine under the modified 20-point proposal have been 100% agreed, although the American leader expressed more caution, putting the figure at more like ninety-five percent. Both leaders said that advancements were achieved during the Florida talks. President Trump did note, however that there were a couple of challenging remaining points, including over territory. Prerequisites for Engagement In related comments, Zelenskyy informed reporters that a direct engagement with Moscow would be conceivable following the US and European leaders endorsed a settlement proposal from Ukraine to bring hostilities to a close. This remark comes following the US President remarked to reporters that he was of the opinion a three-way discussion between Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington could happen when conditions are suitable. Historical Context The Ukrainian and Russian presidents have not met since December 2019. The most recent talks, brokered by the leaders of France and Germany, aimed to revive efforts to settle the persistent war. More recently, in the spring of 2025, the Russian president opted not to attend talks in Turkey for negotiations with Zelenskyy, dismissing a direct offer to discuss peace in Istanbul. Key Sticking Points A key unresolved issue is the future of the Donbas territory. Trump said that a plan to turn the area, which Russia largely controls, into a zone free of military forces continues to be a topic of debate. Trump further commented that it will be known within weeks whether the war can end. Both sides have emphasized that the lengthy peace talks would persist as they aim to achieve a lasting peace to the protracted conflict.