President Zelensky hopes peace plan can be signed in January
JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that the first document of a 20-point peace plan could be ready for signing in January, following what he described as successful talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida on security guarantees and the deployment of a monitoring mission.
President Zelensky emphasized that although the time frame depends on the willingness of all parties, the framework for ending the conflict is in its final stages.
"I hope we will have a decision on all documents in January," he said, noting that the plan seeks to involve Ukraine, the US, Russia and Europe as signatories, Anadolu (31/12) reported.
The updated framework reportedly includes the Uncle Sam's offer of legally binding security guarantees for 15 years, a "like Article 5" commitment (NATO) that President Zelensky is currently pushing to be extended to 50 years.
He also confirmed discussions were underway on the deployment of US troops and a special monitoring mission to prevent Russian provocations immediately after the ceasefire.
President Zelensky said any decision on the deployment of American troops would be made entirely by US leadership, noting that the troops would be under Washington's authority.
He said discussions were underway with Trump as well as representatives from the broader coalition.
"To be honest, this can be confirmed by the President of the United States. These are American troops, and that is why America made this decision," said President Zelensky, as quoted by the Ukrinform news agency.
He added that this issue is being discussed with US colleagues.
Further, the Kyiv leader said Ukraine wants to see American troops in its territory as a guarantee of security, describing the move as a strong position in ensuring the country's security.
In addition to security, the plan includes a large economic package "Prosperous Ukraine".
He revealed that President Trump considers the reconstruction of Ukraine a "number one" priority, with the aim of doubling the average wage in the country through special conditions for American and European business investments.
Regarding defense, President Zelensky said the US President had promised to help procure Patriot air defense systems.
"President Trump said he would help, and I am very grateful to him for this," he said, adding that he asked for an acceleration of the procurement process.
President Zelensky's statement came as Ukraine stepped up diplomatic coordination with Western partners.
He announced security advisers from the Willing Coalition would meet in Ukraine on January 3 to coordinate defense priorities, followed by a planned leaders-level talk on January 6 in France.