Kyiv’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that initial drafts of U.S. proposals for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia meet many of Kyiv’s demands, while noting that neither side is likely to get everything it wants.
US Proposals Meet Kyiv’s Demands
Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv that “Overall, it looks quite solid at this stage,” adding that the talks are “going along” and that the proposals “look solid” at this point. He also said, “There are some things we are probably not ready for, and I’m sure there are things the Russians are not ready for either.” The president added that nearly 90 % of Ukraine’s demands have been incorporated into the draft agreements, a figure that underscores the progress made so far.
Draft Deal Details
The backbone of the proposed deal is a 20-point plan, the Ukrainian leader explained, and there is also a framework document on security guarantees between Ukraine, European countries, and the United States. He highlighted several key points, including the Ukrainian army remaining at a peacetime level of 800,000; membership in the European Union; and European forces, under the leadership of France and the U.K. and with a “backstop” from Washington, ensuring “Ukraine’s security in the air, on land, and at sea.” Zelenskyy also noted that “Some key countries will provide presence in these domains; others will contribute to energy security, finance, bomb shelters, and so on.”
Bilateral Guarantees and Congressional Review
Ukraine is arguing that the bilateral document with the U.S. should be reviewed by the U.S. Congress, with some details and annexes kept classified, the president said. He added that the U.S. team is now in talks with Russian envoys, and Washington has asked that no details be released, underscoring the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Trump’s Comments on Negotiations
U.S. President Donald Trump has been pushing for a peace agreement for months, but the negotiations have run into sharply conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv. Trump said on Monday while on vacation at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that “The talks are going along.” Asked whether he planned to speak to Zelenskyy or Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump didn’t say, offering only that “I’d like to see it stopped.”
Ukrainian Military Actions Inside Russia
Zelenskyy said Monday he met with his military commanders who reported that defensive lines are holding firm against the Russian onslaught. “In (recent) weeks, the Russian army has significantly increased the intensity of attacks, and the number of Russian losses has increased accordingly,” he wrote in a post on Telegram. Ukrainian forces hit an oil terminal, a pipeline, two parked jet fighters and two ships in a series of strikes on Russian soil, officials said Monday.
Ukrainian Partisans Burn Russian Jets
Ukrainian forces struck the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal, an ammunition depot and a launch site for attack drones inside Russian territory and Russian-held Ukrainian territory, Ukraine’s General Staff said in a statement Monday. A pipeline, two docks and two ships were damaged in the southern Krasnodar region, and a large blaze broke out, the statement said, without specifying what kind of weapons were used in the attack. It added that a Ukrainian-made missile also hit a temporary base for Russia’s 92nd River Boat Brigade in Olenivka, in the occupied Crimean Peninsula. A separate strike targeted an ammunition depot in a Russian-controlled portion of the Donetsk region, aiming to slow the Russian advance there, the General Staff said. A Russian launch site for attack drones was also hit.
Russian Drone Interceptions
Russian forces kept up their targeting of Ukraine’s energy sector, aiming to deprive civilians of heat and running water during the frigid winter. Russia has tried to knock out power in Ukraine throughout the war, in a tactic that Ukraine refers to as “weaponizing winter.” Energy infrastructure across five regions were attacked during the night, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy said. Russia struck Ukraine with 86 drones of different types overnight, Ukraine’s air force said. Ukrainian forces stopped 58 of them, it said.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. proposals incorporate nearly 90 % of Ukraine’s demands, with a 20-point plan and security guarantees.
- President Trump acknowledges the talks are “going along” and wants the fighting stopped.
- Ukrainian forces continue to strike Russian infrastructure, including oil terminals, pipelines, jets, and ships, while Russia targets Ukraine’s energy grid with drones.
The evolving negotiations and continued military actions highlight the complexity of the conflict and the high stakes for both sides as they seek a settlement and protection for civilians.
