President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty and securing strong security guarantees are Kyiv’s top priorities in ongoing peace talks aimed at ending the war with Russia. Zelensky says Ukraine territory ‘most difficult’ issue, as negotiations continue amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. He emphasized that the territorial issue remains the most challenging aspect of the discussions, particularly Russia’s demand for Ukraine to cede areas in the eastern Donbas region, a demand Kyiv firmly rejects.
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Official guidance: USA.gov — official guidance for Zelensky says Ukraine territory ‘most difficult’ issue, as
Main Points
Zelensky’s comments followed a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, during which he participated in a call with other European leaders, including those from the UK, Germany, Poland, and Italy. Simultaneously, Ukrainian and US negotiators concluded two days of meetings in Florida, focusing on revising a peace plan that has been criticized for leaning too heavily in favor of Russia. The White House expressed optimism regarding the potential for reaching a deal to end the war, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the administration “feels very optimistic” about a resolution. However, Zelensky offered a more cautious perspective, describing the talks as “very constructive” but acknowledging that “some tough issues that still have to be worked through.” Zelensky says Ukraine territory ‘most difficult’ issue, as all parties attempt to find common ground.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who participated in the discussions with the Ukrainian delegation, is scheduled to travel to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, will also be present at the meeting. Witkoff is expected to convey the outcomes of the discussions to Putin, having already consulted with Zelensky, Macron, Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Diplomatic Efforts and Sticking Points
Last week, Putin mentioned that Russia had been shown a draft peace plan by the Americans, suggesting it could serve as a “basis” for a future agreement to end the war. However, the initial US-Russia draft peace plan that circulated in November caused concern in Kyiv and across Europe. This earlier draft was seen as heavily favoring Moscow’s demands and included provisions regarding the investment of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets held in European financial institutions, as well as dictating the terms of Kyiv’s access to EU markets. Macron clarified that there was “no finalised peace plan to speak of” and insisted that any such proposal must involve input from both Ukraine and Europe. Zelensky says Ukraine territory ‘most difficult’ issue, as external powers attempt to mediate.
European leaders have been actively seeking a role in the negotiations since the peace plan was leaked and have urged the US to involve them in the drafting of any future agreement. Macron emphasized that the territorial question could “only be finalised by President Zelensky” and highlighted the need for European nations to be involved in addressing issues related to frozen Russian assets, security guarantees, and accession to the EU. Despite these complexities, Macron acknowledged the efforts of the Trump administration to end the conflict, which began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “Now we are waiting the Russian answer: are they ready to stop fighting and make peace? I want to point out that for three, four times the Russians have said no,” he added. “So they don’t seem in a rush.”
Challenges to Sovereignty and Security
Throughout the year, Moscow has engaged with US attempts to end the war or discuss a ceasefire, but several of its demands directly contradict Ukraine’s sovereignty and are deemed unacceptable by Kyiv. While the question of territory remains the primary obstacle, the issue of security guarantees for Kyiv has also proven to be a contentious point. Kyiv and its European partners are advocating for Ukraine to receive security guarantees, such as NATO membership, to protect it from future attacks. However, Russia vehemently opposes this, and Donald Trump has also ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining the military alliance. Zelensky says Ukraine territory ‘most difficult’ issue, as security concerns remain paramount.
Away from the negotiating table, the war continues to inflict casualties and damage. On Monday morning, a Russian missile attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to 40 others, according to authorities. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a ballistic missile was used in the strike, and videos shared online depicted a large explosion occurring on the side of a motorway. Local media reported that an office block, cars, and shops were either hit or severely damaged.
Internal Developments and Ongoing Conflict
“We are trying to end this war with all our might and to end this war in a dignified manner,” Zelensky said in Paris. “Russia must end this war that it started, it is its war and it is up to it to put an end to it.” The latest diplomatic push comes as Zelensky faces a serious corruption scandal within his administration. His chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who also led the Ukrainian delegation at peace talks, resigned after anti-corruption investigators raided his home, although he has not been accused of wrongdoing. Two cabinet ministers have also been dismissed. Zelensky says Ukraine territory ‘most difficult’ issue, as the nation grapples with internal challenges.
The complexities surrounding the conflict are further compounded by the internal political landscape in both Ukraine and Russia, as well as the involvement of various international actors with differing agendas. Finding a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, addresses Russia’s security concerns, and satisfies the interests of all parties involved remains a significant challenge.
In conclusion, Zelensky says Ukraine territory ‘most difficult’ issue, as the ongoing war and peace negotiations continue to be a complex and multifaceted challenge. The territorial dispute, security guarantees, and internal political factors all contribute to the difficulty in reaching a lasting resolution. The involvement of international players and their varying interests further complicate the situation.
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Sources: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
Note: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
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