The US has proposed Ukraine withdraw from the eastern Donetsk region and create a 'special economic zone' in the areas it currently controls, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Zelensky stated that the territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain the two main unresolved issues in the peace plan proposal for Ukraine.
During a briefing, Zelensky commented on the US's desire for a swift end to the conflict, the complexity of ongoing negotiations, and his belief that Russia does not intend to stop the war.
Ukraine has submitted an updated 20-point plan to the US along with separate documents focused on security guarantees and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
This follows weeks of diplomatic activities involving multiple high-level discussions among US, Ukrainian, Russian, and European leaders.
Zelensky expressed that the final stages of negotiations can be the hardest and that the situation could easily fall apart for various reasons.
Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede control of about 30% of the eastern Donetsk region, a condition Ukraine firmly rejects due to concerns of allowing a platform for future aggressions.
According to Zelensky, the US envisions a scenario where Ukrainian forces would withdraw from parts of Donetsk and Russian forces would commit not to advance farther, establishing a 'special economic zone' or 'demilitarized zone.'
However, Zelensky argued that it would not be just for Ukraine to withdraw unilaterally, and that Russia should reciprocate by pulling back the same distance.
Concerns surrounding Russia's potential for further advances under the guise of civilian presence remain paramount for Ukraine.
Zelensky mentioned that these are serious concerns and indicated that Ukraine might not accept the proposal outright, though he did hint at possible elections or a referendum to gauge public opinion.
The President noted that the ongoing fighting would likely influence the negotiations, depending on the military's ability to hold ground against Russian advances.
The governance of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, now under Russian control, adds another contentious element to the discussions. Zelensky suggested a potential solution where the Russians withdraw and control would be shared with the Americans, although he acknowledged the uncertainty of such an arrangement and skepticism regarding Russia's cooperation.
Zelensky observed that US President Trump has shown frustration with the complexity of the conflict and fears that the US might impose a Russian-led resolution on Ukraine.
While the US seeks a quicker resolution to the war, Zelensky clarified there are no fixed timelines for an agreement.
Amid continued aerial attacks on Ukraine, there is a strong desire from Kyiv for an immediate ceasefire followed by detailed negotiations.
However, Russia may benefit from delays in ceasefire, as its forces continue to push small but consistent advances along the front lines.
Zelensky shared that after numerous discussions, the US position seems increasingly aligned with Russia's views on the timing of a ceasefire.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Kremlin officials have remained reticent, while presenting a facade of alignment between Washington and Moscow's expectations for the deal.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has praised Trump’s efforts to establish a deal, while downplaying the possibility of foreign troops being stationed in Ukraine.
European and Ukrainian officials desire US involvement in security guarantees to prevent Ukraine from experiencing renewed assaults.
Zelensky commented on receiving a draft proposal for US security guarantees, yet conveyed that discussions are ongoing and the proposals may not fully address Ukraine's apprehensions.
Reflecting on the intricate nature of talks and distrust towards Russia, Zelensky stated: 'No one knows what may happen the day after tomorrow... We do not know how these negotiations will end.'
