**Ukraine‘s President Zelensky Seeks Strong Security Guarantees**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is looking for strong security guarantees as the country prepares for potential changes in US foreign policy. This comes with Donald Trump set to become US President and a proposed ceasefire and peace negotiations.
Zelensky wants a “just peace” but needs assurance that Russia will not attack Ukraine again. He believes that continued weapons shipments, NATO membership, and EU membership are key security guarantees. The country cannot reduce its military size, he said, as it is the only way to guarantee its security.
**Russia’s Demands**
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to demand that Ukraine cut ties with NATO and become a “neutral state with a limited military”. This comes ahead of talks between Putin and Trump. Zelensky has touted the size of Ukraine’s military, stating it now comprises 880,000 soldiers facing 600,000 Russian troops.
**Upcoming Talks**
Ukrainian officials are expected to meet with members of Trump’s administration shortly after his inauguration to discuss peace negotiations. Despite unease over Trump’s stance on Ukraine, European allies have grown optimistic that he will not abandon the country.
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