Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed Wednesday key points of contention regarding the American peace plan for the ongoing conflict with Russia, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation continue.
Zelensky stated that the primary disagreement centers on the issue of territory. He indicated that the US plan aims to freeze current battle lines and proposes joint management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia.
The Ukrainian President added that the plan paves the way for the potential establishment of demilitarized zones between the two countries. However, he emphasized his disagreement with Washington concerning both the territorial issue and the nuclear plant. He also noted that the American plan does not explicitly require Ukraine to abandon its aspirations to join NATO and that elections would be held in the country following the signing of any peace agreement.
Zelensky reported that Kyiv anticipates a Russian response to the plan later today. The United States has reportedly held several rounds of talks with both the Ukrainian and Russian sides in recent days, expressing optimism about achieving results soon.
Moscow, for its part, has stressed the need to address the root causes of the “Ukrainian crisis,” rather than simply establishing a ceasefire agreement. They have suggested that Kyiv may have to cede control of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine and have demanded that Ukraine be prevented from joining NATO, arguing that the alliance’s expansion threatens its strategic security.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
