Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) – Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the most difficult points in U.S. negotiations over a 20-point plan to end Russia’s war.
Negotiations Continue Over a 20-Point Plan
Zelenskyy said Ukraine has already conveyed its position to Washington, which is expected to communicate it to Moscow. The president outlined several technical challenges that remain, stressing that the framework must address security guarantees, territorial claims, and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Key Unresolved Issues
Security Guarantees
Zelenskyy noted that talks are still ongoing regarding the nature and scope of security guarantees that would be provided to Ukraine under any agreement. He said several technical issues remain, including how guarantees would be enforced and what monitoring mechanisms would be used to ensure compliance.
Territorial Control
The fate of the territories that Russia claims remains the most difficult issue in the talks. Zelenskyy said Kyiv will not recognize Russian control over occupied regions, including areas seized since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. He also repeatedly stated Ukraine will not cede territories it currently controls, which Russia has publicly demanded.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Zelenskyy said the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains unresolved. The facility, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian control since early on in the war and has raised repeated international safety concerns due to fighting nearby.
Ukraine has been consistent in saying that safe operation of the station requires demilitarization of its territory, where Russia currently has troops stationed. Apart from that, Ukraine has been insisting that Ukrainian workers should be granted full access to the station, which they currently don’t have.
Details previously released in the course of the current negotiations revealed that the U.S. and Ukrainian teams are in discussion of a joint-access format, potentially between all three sides (the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia).
U.S. and Kremlin Engagement
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that the Kremlin had already been in contact with U.S. representatives since Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently met with U.S. envoys in Florida. He did not reveal any details, saying only: “It was agreed upon to continue the dialogue.”
Future Discussions and Economic Plans
Zelenskyy said further discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. teams are expected, including talks in Florida, and that separate documents on economic recovery and prosperity are also under consideration.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy outlined the most challenging points in the U.S. peace talks, focusing on security guarantees, territorial claims, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- The Kremlin has confirmed ongoing dialogue with U.S. officials, following meetings in Florida.
- Joint-access discussions for the Zaporizhzhia plant involve the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, while Ukraine insists on demilitarization and worker access.
The negotiations remain at a critical juncture, with both sides preparing for further talks that could shape the future of Ukraine and the region.
