Zelenskyy: US offers Ukraine 15-year security guarantees with option to extend

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the United States has proposed security guarantees for Ukraine lasting 15 years, with the option of extension.

Source: Zelenskyy in interviews with Axios, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Details: Zelenskyy said he will be ready to put US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war to a nationwide referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days.

He believes that a 60-day ceasefire to organise and hold the vote is "the minimum", as such a referendum would face serious political, logistical and security challenges.

A senior US official told Axios that the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelenskyy announces a referendum, but would prefer a shorter timeframe.

Zelenskyy added that he would still like to secure a better position on territorial issues.

However, if the plan requires a "very difficult" decision on territory, he says the best option would be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum.

The president also warned that if people are unable to vote because of security concerns, the result could be illegitimate.

Quote: "It's better to not have a referendum than have a referendum where people do not have the possibility to come and vote."

Details: Zelenskyy also said it remains unclear whether Russia is prepared to agree to Trump's plan at all. "I have some intelligence... but I'm at the moment when I want to believe only the words of leaders," he said.

The president noted that most elements of bilateral agreements between the United States and Ukraine had been agreed, although there are still some "technical things" to be discussed.

Axios reported that one of these concerns the duration of the agreement. The United States has proposed a 15-year pact that could be renewed, while Zelenskyy believes Ukraine needs guarantees for longer than 15 years.

Background: The Kyiv Post, a Ukrainian English-language newspaper, citing an unnamed source, reported that a meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents could take place on Sunday 28 December.

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