• Zelensky confirmed significant progress on a 20-point peace plan, with 90% agreed upon.
• The U.S. has offered Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee, but Zelensky seeks a commitment of up to 50 years.
• Key issues remain unresolved, including territorial demands and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
• Zelensky stated a vote on the peace plan requires a ceasefire, which Russia currently opposes.
• Plans for future talks involve European partners to solidify support and contributions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant progress on his country’s 20-point peace proposal, claiming that negotiators from Ukraine and the U.S. have agreed on "90 percent" of the framework. During a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Zelensky emphasized that the elements of the agreement related to American security guarantees were "100 percent" in alignment, which he described as key to achieving lasting peace in the region. The meeting's outcomes were positive, with Trump indicating imminent collaborative efforts among international stakeholders, according to The Hill and LA Times.

As part of the discussions, Zelensky revealed that while the U.S. has proposed a 15-year security guarantee, he is advocating for a longer commitment of "30, 40, or even 50 years" to better deter any future Russian aggression. Trump purportedly responded that he would "think about" extending the duration of the security guarantees, signalling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards a more robust partnership with Ukraine. Zelensky's push for extended guarantees is rooted in the ongoing conflict, which has seen escalating military engagements since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, according to India Times and LA Times.

Despite the optimistic tone of the meetings, critical issues persist, particularly regarding territorial rights in Eastern Ukraine and the operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian control. Both Zelensky and Trump acknowledged these unresolved issues as major hurdles that need to be addressed for any lasting peace to be established. The complexity of the territorial disputes and the specifics of demilitarized zones continue to be points of contention, as Zelensky stated, according to The Hill and AA.

Moreover, the path toward a formal agreement will require a national referendum in Ukraine, which can only be conducted under conditions of a ceasefire—something that Russia has been reluctant to guarantee unless a comprehensive settlement is agreed upon. Zelensky remarked on the necessity of such security assurances, stating, "Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end," according to AA and SCMP.