KYIV – As Ukraine and the United States engage in crucial discussions on a potential framework to conclude Russia’s ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted several unresolved matters last week. The dialogue centers around a 20-point plan, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the complexities of certain issues and confirming that Ukraine’s stance has been communicated to Washington. It is anticipated that the U.S. will relay these positions to Moscow.
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday that ongoing interactions with U.S. representatives are taking place. This follows a recent meeting between Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev and U.S. envoys in Florida. While Peskov refrained from sharing specifics, he assured reporters that both parties have agreed to keep the dialogue open.
The discussions touch on critical unresolved issues, with the most pressing being:
Security Guarantees
Zelenskyy revealed that negotiations are still underway regarding the nature and extent of security assurances for Ukraine in any prospective agreement. He pointed out that technical details, such as enforcement methods and mechanisms for monitoring compliance, remain to be clarified.
Territory
Zelenskyy said the fate of the territories that Russia claims remain the most difficult issue in the talks. He did not provide details, but has repeatedly said Kyiv will not recognize Russian control over occupied regions, including areas seized since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy has 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).
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.
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