Zelensky Secures Post-War Security Framework with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine and the United States have completed a draft framework addressing post-war security guarantees, following high-level talks with US President Donald Trump and his team on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Speaking to reporters, Zelensky said the document outlining US security commitments to Ukraine is effectively finalised, describing it as “done,” although formal signatures will only come after the end of active hostilities. He explained that discussions with the US delegation, which included Trump, concluded with agreement on the text, marking a significant step forward for Kyiv’s long-term security ambitions.

“We need to sign,” Zelensky said, stressing that the agreement would only take effect once the war has stopped. He clarified that while no binding deal has yet been enacted, both sides have completed the document, which now awaits signatures from the respective presidents and subsequent ratification by national parliaments in Washington and Kyiv.

For Zelensky, bringing the US president on board with a clear post-war security framework represents a major diplomatic gain. However, attention is now shifting rapidly toward upcoming trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia, which are expected to take place in the United Arab Emirates. These discussions are widely seen as a crucial next phase in efforts to bring the conflict closer to resolution.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has confirmed he will travel to Abu Dhabi from Moscow to take part in the talks. Zelensky has already named Ukraine’s negotiating team, which includes several of his most senior officials, underlining the seriousness with which Kyiv is approaching the process.

Witkoff struck an optimistic tone, suggesting that the central issue dividing the parties is “solvable.” Zelensky echoed that assessment, saying the core of the dispute remains territorial, particularly concerning land in eastern Ukraine. The key question now is whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept a US-backed proposal for a demilitarised, free-trade zone in the Donbas region, or continue to push for full Russian control of the area.

Diplomatic activity has intensified noticeably in recent days, signalling growing international momentum. Still, Zelensky cautioned that the US security guarantees will not be finalised quickly. Any agreement would require approval from the US Congress as well as Ukraine’s parliament, a process that will take time.

Details of the proposed guarantees have not yet been made public. Kyiv had initially sought up to 50 years of firm US commitments to assist Ukraine in the event of future aggression, an ambition widely viewed as challenging. Nevertheless, Zelensky remains convinced that a strong US “backstop” is essential.