KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that several key issues remain unresolved in ongoing talks between Ukraine and the United States on a potential framework to end Russia’s war. Speaking about the 20-point plan being discussed, Zelensky outlined the most difficult points, noting that Ukraine has already communicated its position to Washington, which is expected to convey it to Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that the Kremlin has been in contact with U.S. representatives since Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently met with U.S. envoys in Florida. But he did not reveal any details, saying only: “Both sides agreed to continue dialogue.”
Unresolved issues include:
Security
Zelensky said negotiations were continuing on the nature and scope of security guarantees provided to Ukraine under any agreement. He said a number of technical issues remained, including how the guarantee would be enforced and what oversight mechanisms would be used to ensure compliance.
territory
Zelensky said the fate of territories claimed by Russia remained the most difficult issue in the negotiations. He gave no details but repeatedly said Kiev would not recognize Russian control of occupied areas, including those held since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelensky has also repeatedly said Ukraine will not give up territory it currently controls that Russia openly demands.
Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant
Zelensky said the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporozhye nuclear power plant still hangs in the balance. The facility, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian control since the early days of the war and has repeatedly raised international security concerns due to nearby fighting.
Ukraine has always said the safe operation of the station requires the demilitarization of its territory, where Russia currently has troops stationed. Beyond this, Ukraine has insisted that Ukrainian workers have full access to the station, a right they do not currently have.
Details previously released during the current negotiations indicate that the U.S. and Ukrainian teams are discussing a joint visit model, possibly by all three parties (U.S., Ukraine and Russia).
Zelensky said further discussions were expected between the Ukrainian and U.S. teams, including talks in Florida, and that a separate document on economic recovery and prosperity was also being considered.