Negotiators from the United States and Ukraine are set to revisit contentious topics regarding territorial issues and the status of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced this development, highlighting these points as pivotal in the ongoing peace discussions aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia, which has persisted for nearly four years.
As the talks progress in Paris for a third consecutive day, pressure mounts on Kyiv from Washington to secure a peaceful resolution. However, Zelenskiy’s administration is resisting Russian demands, which include ceding control of the eastern Donetsk region and relinquishing authority over Europe’s largest nuclear facility. Zelenskiy expressed hope that significant discussions would focus on these critical issues, stating on social media, “We expect, in particular, that the most difficult issues from the basic framework for ending the war will be discussed.”
The ongoing negotiations come in the wake of a meeting among allies to establish security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, which has shown reluctance to engage with the US-backed initiative. Zelenskiy has ordered his team to explore new conversations involving both the US and European partners to address these complex challenges.
During the Paris discussions, Zelenskiy’s chief adviser mentioned the presence of “concrete results” and assured that Ukraine’s national interests would be upheld. The president noted that discussions had already included various “land options” aimed at addressing territorial disputes. Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, confirmed this, indicating a desire to reach a compromise.
Kyiv remains firm on its stance regarding the Donetsk region, which has seen significant fighting. Although Russia controls portions of this industrial area, it has not managed to capture it entirely. In previous remarks, Zelenskiy mentioned that the US has proposed establishing a free economic zone should Ukraine withdraw from territories it currently controls—a suggestion he has indicated should be subject to a referendum among Ukrainians. Recent polling data suggests that approximately three-quarters of Ukrainians support a deal that would freeze the current front lines but oppose any territory concessions.
In addition to territorial discussions, the US has proposed a trilateral operation concerning the Zaporizhzhia plant, which fell under Russian control in 2022. The proposal includes appointing an American chief manager to oversee operations at the plant. Conversely, Zelenskiy has suggested a cooperative use of the facility, with the US determining how to utilize half of the energy produced.
On another front, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that any deployment of UK forces under a declaration signed with France and Ukraine would require parliamentary approval. This declaration, established to outline troop deployment in the event of a peace agreement, was signed by Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Zelenskiy. Starmer assured Parliament, “I will keep the house updated as the situation develops, and were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed, I would put that matter to the house for a vote.” He noted that the specifics regarding troop numbers would be determined based on ongoing military plans.
The outcomes of these discussions will be pivotal for Ukraine as it navigates the complexities of war and seeks to ensure its territorial integrity while addressing international diplomatic pressures. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on finding a sustainable resolution that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and addresses security concerns.
