Substantial obstacles remain in the diplomatic efforts to establish a viable framework for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader confirmed last week that multiple unresolved issues persist in negotiations with United States officials regarding a proposed 20-point peace plan.
Zelenskyy identified three particularly challenging areas requiring further negotiation: security guarantees for Ukraine, the status of territories currently under Russian occupation, and the future operational control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine has formally communicated its positions on these matters to Washington, which is expected to relay these positions to Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged ongoing diplomatic contacts, revealing that Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently met with U.S. representatives in Florida. Peskov characterized the discussions as productive, noting that both sides had ‘agreed to continue the dialogue’ while providing no specific details about the substance of the talks.
Regarding security arrangements, negotiations continue on the precise nature and scope of international guarantees that would ensure Ukraine’s future security. Technical implementation details remain unresolved, including enforcement mechanisms and compliance monitoring procedures that would verify adherence to any agreement.
The territorial dispute represents perhaps the most intractable challenge. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s firm position against recognizing Russian sovereignty over any occupied territories, including regions seized since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Simultaneously, Ukraine refuses to relinquish control of territories it currently holds, directly contradicting Moscow’s publicly stated demands.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, presents another complex dilemma. Under Russian military control since early in the conflict, the plant has raised international safety concerns due to ongoing combat in surrounding areas. Ukraine maintains that safe operation requires complete demilitarization of the facility and full access for Ukrainian technical personnel, conditions not currently met.
Previous disclosures indicated that American and Ukrainian negotiators are discussing potential joint-access arrangements potentially involving all three parties: the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. Additional discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. teams are anticipated, including further meetings in Florida. Separate agreements concerning Ukraine’s economic recovery and future prosperity are also under consideration as part of the broader diplomatic process.