Ukraine’s Zelensky Says He Sought 50 Year US Security Guarantee From Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he asked former United States president Donald Trump for a long term American security guarantee lasting up to 50 years, describing it as a historic request aimed at deterring any future Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking in an audio message to reporters on Monday, Zelensky said the proposal went well beyond the security arrangements currently being discussed as part of international peace efforts. Existing proposals under consideration reportedly include guarantees lasting around 15 years, with the option of an extension. Zelensky said he believes Ukraine needs far stronger and longer lasting assurances.

He explained that the experience of repeated aggression has convinced Kyiv that short term promises are not enough. According to Zelensky, only a guarantee measured in decades would provide the level of deterrence needed to prevent Moscow from launching another attack once any ceasefire or peace agreement is reached.

The comments followed a recent meeting between Zelensky and Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private residence and political hub in Florida. While Trump is not currently in office, he remains a central figure in US politics and is widely expected to play a major role in shaping American foreign policy if he returns to power.

Zelensky did not provide details on how Trump responded to the request, but he suggested the discussion was serious and focused on long term stability rather than short term political fixes. He said Ukraine is looking for security arrangements that are clear, binding and credible enough to influence future calculations in Moscow.

The Ukrainian leader’s remarks come as debates continue among Western allies about how best to guarantee Ukraine’s security without directly drawing Nato into a future conflict with Russia. Some proposals have focused on military aid commitments, training programmes and intelligence cooperation rather than formal alliance membership.

Zelensky acknowledged that securing such an extensive guarantee would be politically complex, especially given changing governments and priorities in Washington. However, he argued that Ukraine’s position on the frontline of European security justifies extraordinary measures. He said the cost of weak guarantees would likely be far higher in the long run if conflict were to resume.

The idea of a 50 year security framework would mark a significant departure from previous arrangements between Ukraine and its partners. Past agreements have often lacked enforcement mechanisms, something Zelensky has repeatedly criticised since the start of the full scale war.

Analysts say Zelensky’s comments may also be aimed at shaping the broader debate in the United States, where opinions differ sharply on the level and duration of support for Ukraine. By framing the request as historic and preventative, Kyiv is seeking to present long term guarantees as an investment in global stability rather than an open ended commitment.

For now, discussions around Ukraine’s post war security remain unresolved. What is clear from Zelensky’s remarks is that Kyiv is pushing for guarantees that extend far beyond current proposals, reflecting deep concern about the durability of any future peace without firm and lasting international backing.