Zelenskyy announced a new session of negotiations with the US regarding territories and the ZNPP
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced the preparation of a new session of negotiations with US representatives, during which they plan to discuss the most sensitive aspects of ending the war. According to the head of state, the key topics will be the issues of territories and the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Zelensky noted that Ukraine is counting on a frank conversation with the American side regarding the most difficult points of the framework agreement on ending the war. The Ukrainian delegation at the meetings will be represented by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Andriy Hnatov, Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov, his deputy Serhiy Kyslytsia, and Advisor to the President Oleksandr Bevz.
A separate discussion is planned on possible formats of meetings at the level of leaders of Ukraine, European states, and the United States. The President emphasized that the Ukrainian side is open to dialogue even on the most difficult topics, if this will bring a just and lasting peace closer.
“Ukraine does not hide from the most difficult issues and will never be an obstacle to peace. Peace must be worthy. And it depends on the partners – whether they will ensure Russia’s real readiness to end the war,” Zelensky emphasized.
In early January, a meeting of representatives of dozens of countries and international organizations was held in Paris, dedicated to finalizing approaches to security guarantees for Ukraine. Following its results, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the President of Ukraine signed a declaration of intentions on the possible deployment of international forces in Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. The US was represented in the negotiations by Special Presidential Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Volodymyr Zelensky also reported on substantive consultations with the American team on mechanisms for monitoring peace in the event of an agreement being signed and noted that work on security guarantees and a framework document on the end of the war would continue.
