Zelenskyy pushes US for stronger security guarantees before agreeing to Russia peace deal

The war between Ukraine and Russia has continued for years, bringing destruction, loss of life, and instability across the region. As peace talks slowly move forward, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that any agreement with Russia must be backed by strong security guarantees from the United States. Without these guarantees, he believes Ukraine will remain vulnerable to future attacks and unable to rebuild with confidence.

During his visit to Washington, Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Following their meeting, he spoke to reporters and explained what Ukraine expects from its American allies. His message was straightforward: Ukraine needs “everything” to feel secure—troops, intelligence, weapons, and long-term support. According to Zelenskyy, this is not about asking for favors, but about ensuring Ukraine’s survival and its ability to stand firm against aggression.

Weapons, intelligence and training support

When asked about the specific guarantees he is seeking, Zelenskyy said that the list includes modern weapons, advanced intelligence sharing, and training programs for Ukrainian forces. He stressed that Ukraine’s security depends on building a strong, well-equipped military that can defend itself without hesitation. “It is everything, really,” he said. “A strong Ukrainian army means weapons, people, training missions, and intelligence.”

One of the key parts of this request is a large weapons package from the United States. Zelenskyy revealed that the proposed deal includes aircraft and air defence systems, which would help protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure from missile and drone attacks. He also confirmed that the package is valued at around USD 90 billion, showing the scale of support being discussed.

He further explained that these security guarantees will be broken down into clear commitments and formalized in writing over the coming days. According to him, this will allow both Ukraine and its partners to have a shared understanding of what support will be delivered, reducing uncertainty and strengthening trust.

Zelenskyy emphasized that this cooperation is not limited to military tools alone. Intelligence sharing—where the United States provides Ukraine with critical information about enemy movements, planned strikes, and cyber threats—is equally important. With accurate intelligence, Ukrainian forces can plan their defences better and protect their people more effectively. Training missions with US support also ensure that Ukrainian soldiers learn to use new technology and strategies quickly.

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Trump’s response and the road to peace

Former US President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House earlier this year, expressed support for Zelenskyy’s demands. He told the Ukrainian leader that the United States would play a central role in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security in any peace deal with Russia. Zelenskyy welcomed this, calling it an important signal not just to Ukraine but also to Russia and other global players.

“I believe this is a major step forward,” Zelenskyy said, noting that for the first time he feels the US is fully committed to being part of the framework that ensures Ukraine’s safety. He also described his meeting with Trump as the “best” one he has had so far, suggesting that the discussions were more positive and result-oriented compared to earlier talks.

Zelenskyy also addressed the sensitive issue of territory. He explained that questions about Ukrainian land currently under Russian control would be discussed directly between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin. No date has yet been set for a potential meeting, but he signaled openness to dialogue in “any format.” By leaving territorial issues for direct negotiations with Putin, Zelenskyy appears to be focusing first on securing strong international backing before making concessions.

The Ukrainian leader made it clear that the guarantees he is requesting from the US and other partners are not just about ending the current conflict—they are about ensuring long-term peace. Without proper support, he fears any deal might only provide temporary relief and leave Ukraine exposed to future invasions.

For now, Zelenskyy’s message to both Washington and Moscow is that Ukraine is serious about peace but equally serious about protecting its independence. A deal without strong guarantees, in his view, would not be worth signing.

In summary, Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington highlights a crucial moment in the war. He is not only negotiating with Russia but also shaping the role of the United States in guaranteeing Ukraine’s future. The combination of weapons, training, intelligence, and political support may finally give Ukraine the confidence to pursue peace with strength rather than fear.