Ceasefire and Security Guarantees Take Center Stage in US-Ukraine-Russia Talks

The United States and Ukraine have reached agreement on most elements of a comprehensive peace plan, while Russia has indicated it may accept a ceasefire as a prerequisite for a future Ukrainian referendum on territorial issues, according to Axios.

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Zelensky and Trump Conflicting Each Other

Russia Signals Conditional Openness to Ceasefire

According to a senior US official cited by Axios, Russia has agreed in principle that a ceasefire would be required for Ukraine to hold a referendum on potential territorial concessions. At the same time, Moscow may reject Kyiv's proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and instead push for a significantly shorter pause in hostilities.

Russian authorities have not officially commented on the report. Previously, Moscow repeatedly stated that it opposed any ceasefire before the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement.

Peace Plan 90 Percent Complete

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the proposed peace plan consisting of 20 points is approximately 90 percent finalized. According to him, the remaining unresolved issues primarily concern security guarantees for Ukraine and an accompanying economic agreement.

"Much can be decided before the New Year,” Zelensky said, confirming an upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Security Guarantees Modeled on NATO Article 5

US and Ukrainian officials told Axios that most provisions of the agreement have already been coordinated, including security guarantees that Ukraine would receive from the United States and European partners.

A senior US official confirmed that Washington is prepared to submit the security guarantees to the US Senate for ratification. The guarantees are reportedly modeled on Article 5 of the NATO charter, which establishes collective defense obligations.

Trump and Zelensky to Meet at Mar-a-Lago

Ukrainian and American officials also confirmed that negotiations between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 28, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Zelensky previously acknowledged the upcoming meeting without specifying a date, emphasizing that the coming days could prove decisive for achieving progress toward peace.