UPDATE – Ukrainian president says peace plan documents could be ready for signing in January

ADDS REMARKS, CHANGES IN HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that the first documents of a 20-point peace plan could be ready for signature in January, following what he described as successful talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida regarding security guarantees and the deployment of monitoring missions.

Zelenskyy emphasized that while the timeline depends on the will of all parties, the framework for ending the conflict is in its final stages.

"I hope that we will have a decision on all documents in January," Zelenskyy said, noting that the plan seeks to involve Ukraine, the US, Russia, and Europe as signatories.

The updated framework reportedly includes a US offer of legally binding security guarantees for 15 years, an "Article 5–like" commitment that Zelenskyy is currently pushing to extend to 50 years.

The president also confirmed that discussions are underway regarding the deployment of US troops and a specialized monitoring mission to prevent Russian provocations immediately after a ceasefire.

Zelenskyy said any decision regarding the deployment of American forces would be made solely by the US leadership, noting that such troops would be under Washington’s authority.

He said discussions are ongoing with Trump as well as representatives of a broader coalition.

“This can be confirmed, to be honest, by the President of the United States of America. These are the troops of the United States, and that is why it is America that makes such decisions,” Zelenskyy was quoted by the Ukrinform news agency as saying. The issue is being discussed with US counterparts, he added.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would like to see American troops on its territory as a security guarantee, describing such a move as a strong position in ensuring the country’s security.

In addition to security, the plan features a massive "Prosperous Ukraine" economic package.

Zelenskyy revealed that Trump views Ukraine's reconstruction as a "number one" priority, with goals to triple average wages in the country through specialized conditions for American and European business investments.

Regarding defense, Zelenskyy stated that Trump has pledged help with Patriot air defense systems.

"President Trump said that he will help, and I am very grateful to him for this," Zelenskyy said, adding that he requested an acceleration of the procurement process.

Zelenskyy also addressed recent Russian claims of a drone strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence, dismissing them as a "typical lie" intended to undermine the progress made during the Florida meetings.

He maintained that the success of the talks has unnerved Moscow, leading to attempts to manipulate the negotiating process.

The president's remarks come as Ukraine intensifies diplomatic coordination with Western partners. He announced that security advisers from the Coalition of the Willing are set to meet in Ukraine on Jan. 3 to align defense priorities, followed by leaders-level talks planned for Jan. 6 in France.

Zelenskyy said Kyiv is in constant contact with the US and thanked Trump's team for engaging in upcoming negotiations following his recent meeting with the US president in Florida and subsequent comments by Trump about Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the Ukrainian president later rejected in a US media interview, emphasizing Kyiv's need for continued American missile and air defense support.