Trump criticizes targeting of Putin; Zelensky demands 50-year guarantees
In a significant development amid international efforts to end the conflict in Eastern Europe, US President-elect Donald Trump strongly condemned the attack attributed to Ukraine that targeted the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump's remarks underscored the sensitivity of the current phase, marked by complex negotiations to end the Russian incursion, and warned that such actions could derail the peace process.
Behind the scenes of the Putin-Trump call at Mar-a-Lago
Speaking to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Donald Trump revealed details of a phone call he had with the Russian president. Trump explained that Putin had told him early that morning that he had been attacked by drones, adding that the Russian president was "very angry" about the incident.
Trump commented on the incident, saying, "This is not the time for such actions." He further explained the difference between routine military operations and targeting leaders: "Being offensive in response to a military attack is one thing, but attacking the president's residence is quite another." These statements come as Kyiv denies responsibility for the attack, further clouding the military and political landscape.
The repercussions of targeting leaders on the course of negotiations
Targeting the residences of heads of state is a red line in diplomatic norms and unwritten rules of engagement, often leading to an escalation with unforeseen consequences. Observers believe that the timing of this attack—whether deliberate or accidental—puts the ongoing negotiations to end the war at risk. While the international community, led by Washington, is striving to de-escalate the situation, Moscow may use this incident as a pretext to intensify its attacks or harden its negotiating position, thus complicating the task of international mediators.
Security guarantees negotiations: between 15 and 50 years
In a related development, and as part of diplomatic efforts to secure Ukraine's future, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed details of the US offer of security guarantees. Zelensky explained that the United States proposed providing Kyiv with "robust" security guarantees against any future Russian threats for a period of 15 years, renewable.
However, the Ukrainian president expressed his desire for a longer-term US commitment. "I really want these guarantees to be for a longer period," Zelensky said after his meeting with Trump. "I asked them to consider the possibility of offering guarantees for 30, 40, or even 50 years." He indicated that Trump promised to seriously consider the proposal.
The importance of long-term security guarantees
Security guarantees are of paramount importance to Ukraine, which Kyiv views as a viable alternative to NATO membership at present. These guarantees aim to deter future aggression and provide a protective umbrella that will allow the country to rebuild and achieve economic stability. Zelensky's request to extend the guarantees to half a century reflects Ukraine's desire to secure future generations and ensure that the invasion scenario is not repeated. This presents the US administration with the challenge of balancing support for its Ukrainian ally with avoiding prolonged direct involvement in a conflict with Russia.
