A 15-Year Shield: US Proposes Long-Term Security Guarantees for Ukraine

A long-term pivot is taking shape in Eastern Europe. On December 29, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States is offering a 15-year security guarantee as part of a proposed peace framework. This move signals Washington's commitment to stabilizing the region far beyond the current conflict's immediate resolution.

The US Ukraine 15-Year Security Guarantees Framework

The proposal, revealed during a Monday briefing, positions the 15-year commitment as a cornerstone of the emerging peace plan. According to Zelenskyy, these guarantees provide a necessary layer of protection for Ukraine's sovereignty. While NATO membership remains a long-term goal, this bilateral agreement offers immediate strategic depth.

Analysts suggest the duration of the offer—15 years—is designed to withstand potential shifts in US domestic politics. It aims to institutionalize support, creating a predictable environment for both military defense and post-war reconstruction. However, the exact nature of the 'guarantees' and how they might trigger a response from Russia remain critical points of international debate.