Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared insights regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, a potential meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, the specifics of a 20-point peace plan, and the timeline for lifting martial law.

According to Hvylya, the President made these statements while answering journalists' questions during a briefing at the Office of the President.

Security Guarantees and Timelines

Zelensky noted that Ukraine and the U.S. have reached 100% agreement on the military dimension of security guarantees. However, Kyiv is pushing to extend their duration to 50 years.

"The U.S. says security guarantees won't last forever if an agreement isn't reached today. But why should these American guarantees disappear?" Zelensky remarked.

Current drafts propose a 15-year term with an option for renewal—a base level already approved by both presidents and their teams.

"The documents currently state 15 years with a renewal option. We discussed this with the teams, and yesterday it was confirmed with the U.S. President that we will have strong security guarantees. But I told him: our war has been going on for nearly 15 years. We need longer horizons," the President emphasized.

Zelensky suggested that Donald Trump consider a 30, 40, or even 50-year timeframe, noting that Trump took the proposal seriously.

The 20-Point Peace Plan

Trump held an extensive conversation with Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed all 20 points of the peace plan in detail. Zelensky confirmed that Trump reviewed the document point by point—the exact plan previously agreed upon by the parties.

"Trump told me he went through all 20 points. I thanked him for that because it is vital that we are all on the same page and discussing this specific document," the President said.

While Trump reported Putin's readiness to negotiate, Ukraine remains cautious. "It’s not the first time Putin says one thing and does another. We need words to match actions," Zelensky added.

Negotiations with Russia

Following meetings with Western partners, Zelensky indicated that negotiations with Russia could eventually take place in one of several formats.

A meeting at the advisor level is planned for the coming days. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is already in contact with U.S. and European advisors, and Ukraine is interested in hosting these talks. This will be followed by a broad-format meeting between European leaders and Ukraine, alongside the "Coalition of the Willing."

Zelensky aims to hold these meetings in January. "If everything proceeds step-by-step, a meeting with the Russians in one format or another will follow," he said.

Martial Law and the "Alternative to Peace"

Zelensky stated that martial law will end only when Ukraine secures security guarantees involving international monitoring and the presence of partners. He warned that a ceasefire alone does not end the war, as the risk of renewed Russian aggression remains without formal guarantees.

He also addressed the prospect of a referendum, noting it would require at least 60 days of a total ceasefire and proper security infrastructure—conditions Russia has yet to accept. The 20-point plan is intended to be ratified via a national referendum for maximum legitimacy.

Economic and Strategic Integration

  • Security Architecture: Guarantees must be backed by the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian Parliament.

  • Four-Party Plan: Technical development of the peace plan should involve Ukraine, Europe, the U.S., and Russia.

  • Free Economic Zone: Discussions are focused on a Free Economic Zone rather than a demilitarized one.

  • EU Integration: Zelensky emphasized that EU integration is a non-negotiable component of security guarantees.

  • Economic Support: Discussions with Trump included a "support package" featuring American business presence, special development conditions, and a free trade agreement.

Meeting with Putin

Zelensky remains open to meeting Putin in any format, provided the Russian leader's actions align with his rhetoric.

"It’s a bit strange—and I told Trump this—that on one hand, he tells the U.S. President he wants to end the war, but his media messages and actions say otherwise. He strikes us with missiles and openly cheers the destruction of civilian infrastructure," Zelensky said.

International Troops

The President noted that the presence of international troops would reinforce the security guarantees offered by partners, providing confidence to Ukrainian citizens, businesses, and investors that Putin will not launch a repeat invasion.