Zelenskyy seeks up to 50-year US security guarantees for investors

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is seeking long-term security guarantees from the US lasting at least 30 years to provide stability for international investors.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy said Washington has proposed guarantees lasting 15 years, but Ukraine wants a longer timeframe.

“Today we have a proposal from the American side for 15 years; we want to have 20 years plus, 30–50. It depends on what the administration and Congress decide,” he said.

Zelenskyy said guarantees of five to 10 years would not be enough to reassure investors, who require more durable security assurances.

He also said he hopes the war will end this year, while suggesting Moscow is adjusting its diplomatic approach.

“Russia is changing the head of the negotiation group to Medinsky. It seems they want to postpone decision-making,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to capture the entire Donbas region to “sell” a victory to the Russian public.

On prisoners of war, Zelenskyy said there is a possibility of an “all-for-all” exchange if Moscow agrees. He said Russia is holding about 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine is holding more than 4,000 Russian troops.

Addressing the military situation in eastern Ukraine, Zelenskyy reiterated Kyiv’s position on territorial integrity.

“We will never withdraw troops,” he said.