Ukraine is also discussing with the United States the prospect of a free-trade deal to persuade Washington to provide more powerful and unambiguous security assurances, Zelenskyy has said. In an interview with Bloomberg, Zelenskyy clarified that, according to him, such a deal would be a strategic incentive of greater American involvement in Ukrainian’s long term security. According to Zelenskyy, a free trade agreement would entail tariff free trade between Ukraine and the United States and would grant Kyiv what he termed as very serious cards.
Although Zelenskyy said that he has not yet brought the proposal directly to U.S. President Donald Trump, he was optimistic of meeting Trump in the United States or even in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which will start on January 19. The possibility of a trade agreement is seen as Ukraine and its collaborators are more concerned about the ways to end the war. While the acts of Russia depicts it is not interested in any settlement nor feared of the collective force.
European nations and the United States have offered a comprehensive Ukraine plan to the country during a meeting in Paris earlier this week. The plan had suggested security assurances to be provided by Washington and a promise of the British and French troops to be sent after a ceasefire is declared. Nevertheless, the United States was not willing to join a multinational force in Ukraine, which puts in doubt the degree to which it will be engaged.
Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv wanted to hear solid guarantees and not empty words. He added that he desires certain promises of the United States and does not demand security guarantees to be based on future responses. Zelenskyy, the negotiator of Ukraine, claimed that he had a conversation with Trump special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on Friday. He further said that U.S. delegates have been communicating with Russia in some form recently. Ukraine has expressed its opinion on the territory proposals and the U.S. side will relay the same to Moscow. Another plan that the U.S. has proposed to Ukraine after troops withdrawals is to create a buffer zone. Zelenskyy said that the offer was challenging yet equitable. He further stated that he does not object to European leaders holding dialogue with Russia citing recent invitations by Italy and France leaders to hold discussions. Though the attacks by Russia during these talks clearly shows no settlement interest of Russia in the scenario but Zelenskyy has been stating that the war may come to an end.