Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has outlined the results of talks with US President Donald Trump, which took place at Trump’s residence in Miami on Sunday, December 28. According to the Ukrainian leader, the meeting produced important agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine, post-war reconstruction and the next steps toward ending the war through diplomacy.
What we achieved during the meeting with President Trump
Zelenskiy said that the US president confirmed strong security guarantees for Ukraine. All elements previously developed by technical and negotiating teams regarding the details of these guarantees were reaffirmed and, according to Zelenskiy, will be submitted for a vote in the US Congress. He described the agreement as a very strong one, underpinned by institutional support.
The security guarantees are currently designed for a 15-year period, with the option of extension. During the meeting, Zelenskiy raised the issue of a longer timeframe, suggesting 30, 40 or even 50 years. He said President Trump responded that the United States would consider this proposal.
Economic support and Ukraine’s recovery
A second key outcome of the talks was an agreement on an economic support package for Ukraine after the war ends. This package includes the involvement of American business, special conditions for Ukraine’s economic development and recovery, and work toward a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the United States. President Trump confirmed these commitments.
The 20-point plan and diplomatic sequencing
Zelenskiy said Ukraine has moved very close to another major result within the framework of a 20-point plan. Together with the US side, a clear sequence of actions has been developed, defining the order of steps, timing and coordination with international partners.
The next step will be a meeting at the level of national security advisers in the coming days. According to Zelenskiy, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has already connected with US and European advisers, and the meeting is expected to take place in Ukraine.
After that, a broader meeting of European leaders with Ukraine is planned in the format of the Coalition of the Willing plus. Zelenskiy said he began discussing this immediately after his meeting with President Trump and has already spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and several other partners, with consultations ongoing.
At that meeting, leaders are expected to approve key documents and prepare for talks with President Trump and European leaders. Zelenskiy stressed that all sides are serious about holding these meetings in January.
Peace efforts and Ukraine’s position on Russia
The Ukrainian president emphasized that there is no alternative to peace. He said Ukraine and the United States share the view that the war must be ended diplomatically and that Russia must be pressured to do so. If the war continues, Zelenskiy noted, the US and European partners will keep supporting Ukraine, which is defending itself and is not the aggressor.
He also addressed the issue of a potential referendum, saying Russia opposes the idea because a referendum requires a security framework, including a ceasefire lasting long enough to conduct it. According to Zelenskiy, this would require at least 60 days, which Russia is unwilling to grant, preferring to continue military pressure through missiles, artillery and other means.
The strength of agreements and the role of a referendum
Zelenskiy recalled Ukraine’s past experience with the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk agreements, which, he said, ultimately failed. This is why the current security guarantees must be backed by votes in the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament. Similarly, bilateral agreements with European partners would need to be ratified by European parliaments to ensure their legal force.
He said the 20-point plan should be approved by a national referendum, describing it as the strongest possible expression of public support and a historic endorsement of the agreement. Zelenskiy acknowledged that not everyone views the idea positively, but stressed that it would involve the direct will of millions of citizens.
Territorial integrity and reparations
Commenting on Donbas, Zelenskiy said it is no secret that Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from its territory. He stressed that Ukraine has its own land, territorial integrity, statehood and national interests, and will act accordingly.
Zelenskiy also focused on the issue of reparations. He said Ukraine is interested in Russia compensating for the damage caused by the war. According to him, agreements with European partners have already been reached on reparations-related financing based on frozen Russian assets, most of which are held in Europe. Ukraine expects to receive the first 100 billion dollars over the next two years in equal tranches. If the war has ended, the funds will be used for reconstruction; if Ukraine still needs to defend itself, they will be used to finance its security.