Trump-Zelenskyy negotiations shift focus to long-term security architecture for Ukraine

The author of the Resurgam Telegram channel discussed the issue. 

The meetings, which began this week and continue today, have produced several notable developments. Trump expressed satisfaction with the discussions, though he remains skeptical about immediate breakthroughs, largely because the key to ending the war lies in pressuring the Kremlin rather than negotiating with Kyiv. Importantly, the American president voiced no complaints about Ukraine's approach to the talks.

Behind the scenes, Ukrainian negotiators are capitalizing on this diplomatic opening to finalize critical documents on military assistance and security guarantees. If Ukraine can secure direct guarantees approved by Congress, along with European commitments reinforced by American pressure, it would represent a significant upgrade from the largely symbolic 1994 Budapest Memorandum.

The meetings also appear to be shifting Trump's perception of Ukraine from a distant problem to a genuine partner. While Trump maintains his relationship with Moscow, he's increasingly comfortable discussing military cooperation with Ukraine as standard practice—a marked change from earlier rhetoric that downplayed Kyiv's importance.

Perhaps most significantly, a personal rapport is developing between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump, who prefers personal relationships over formal diplomacy, seems more at ease in these interactions. Even Trump's call with Putin before meeting the Ukrainian delegation—previously a source of anxiety—didn't create tension this time around.

The negotiations have established several important frameworks for the future. Security guarantees passed through the U.S. legislative process are now part of the discussion, moving beyond vague promises that "Putin won't attack again." The talks also codified America's expectation that Europe must step up, with Trump emphasizing that unlike the U.S., European nations don't have an ocean separating them from the conflict. Ukraine's reconstruction is increasingly framed as a shared Western responsibility rather than solely Ukraine's burden.

However, challenges remain, including potential pitfalls regarding Donbas and other contested territories.

Interestingly, the dynamic around deadlines has shifted. Trump, who previously set concrete timelines for progress, now avoids specific dates—perhaps recognizing that Putin may not respond positively, which would embarrass the American president if firm deadlines existed. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has begun articulating his own timeline of two to three weeks, cleverly putting public pressure on Trump to deliver results from Moscow.

This role reversal—with Ukraine now pushing for clear deadlines while Trump seeks flexibility—may prove advantageous for Kyiv, as it keeps pressure on the White House to extract concessions from the Kremlin.

• On Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, American President Donald Trump hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy for 4 hours at the Mar-a-Lago residence (Florida, U.S.).