Ukraine wants

It is reported that when Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed doubling the 15-year term **at the very least**, Donald Trump responded that he "would take it into consideration". Zelenskyy stated that he deems the stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine an indispensable part of any agreement aimed at safeguarding Kyiv's security and ending the war. It remains unclear what form such security guarantees will take.

Although Trump described the U.S.-Ukraine meeting as "excellent", Western public opinion unanimously agrees that thorny issues remain unresolved, with no breakthrough achieved even after three hours of talks between the two sides.

According to the *Global Times*, following the conclusion of the U.S.-Ukraine meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had requested the U.S. to provide Ukraine with security guarantees for up to 50 years. However, what was ultimately stipulated in the "peace agreement" is that the U.S. will offer Ukraine 15 years of security guarantees.

It is reported that when Zelenskyy proposed extending the term by at least double, Trump responded that he "would consider it". Zelenskyy emphasized:

> We have been fighting for nearly 15 years, so we are very eager to have a longer guarantee period.

Trump confirmed that a "robust" security agreement will be reached, adding that European countries will participate vigorously with U.S. support. Yet he did not specify the details of the security guarantees. Zelenskyy revealed that Trump has confirmed the specifics to him and noted that the agreement requires congressional approval.

Western public opinion is unanimous in the view that the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy failed to resolve the core issues related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict: the territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine and the control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

## Dispute Over the Duration of Security Guarantees

During weekend discussions, Kyiv demanded that security guarantees remain in place for up to 50 years after the conflict ends. Zelenskyy told reporters on Monday that in the document currently under discussion, the U.S. proposed a 15-year guarantee period with the possibility of extension.

Zelenskyy told Trump:

> We very much hope to consider the possibilities of 30, 40, or 50 years. This will be a historic decision for President Trump.

Zelenskyy stated that he believes the stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine is an essential component of any agreement to ensure Kyiv's security and end the war. The specific form of such guarantees remains unclear.

Earlier this month, European leaders indicated that Europe is prepared to lead a "multinational force" in Ukraine as part of the "peace agreement" proposed by the U.S.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on the 28th that any European forces deployed to Ukraine will be regarded as legitimate military targets by the Russian military.

French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed on the 29th that he, together with several other European leaders, has communicated with both Zelenskyy and Trump, and subsequently held a separate phone call with Zelenskyy. Macron stated:

> We are making progress on security guarantees for Ukraine, which is crucial for building a just and lasting peace.

He also revealed that a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting is scheduled to be held in Paris in early January 2026 to finalize the specific contribution-sharing plan for each country. In January next year, leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine will hold a meeting in the United States.

## Territorial Issue at an Impasse

Zelenskyy said on Monday that no agreement has been reached on the control of the Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The *Global Times* reported that prior to the meeting, Zelenskyy stated that 90% of the clauses in the "peace agreement" had been agreed upon. After the meeting, he cited the same figure. Foreign media cited by the report noted that the remaining 10% hinges on whether Ukraine will cede control of eastern regions and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently under Russian control.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is Europe's largest nuclear power station. According to Trump, he and Zelenskyy held "lengthy" discussions on this issue. The U.S. plan is for the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine to jointly operate the plant and profit from it, but Zelenskyy has rejected any Russian commercial involvement.

The territorial issue is even more intractable. Citing foreign media, the *Global Times* pointed out that both Trump and Zelenskyy made highly positive remarks after the meeting, yet the question of whether Ukraine needs to cede territory in exchange for peace commitments remains unanswered.

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