Zelenskyy Names Three Main Challenges in Negotiations on Potential Peace Deal
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has identified three of the most difficult issues complicating negotiations on a potential peace agreement with Russia.
The Gaze reports this, referring to European Pravda.
Speaking during an online briefing with journalists while en route to Brussels, Zelenskyy said that despite ongoing discussions, no concrete agreements have been reached on these sensitive matters.
According to the Ukrainian president, the first contentious issue concerns Donbas, where Russia continues to occupy parts of eastern Ukraine. The second revolves around a “reparations loan” – a financial mechanism intended to address war-related damages. The third, and one of the most complex, is the status and operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which remains under Russian control.
Zelenskyy confirmed that the United States has floated a compromise proposal under which the plant would continue operating under a shared or joint arrangement involving three parties. He rejected the idea as unfair and impractical, stressing that the issue goes far beyond electricity generation or financial considerations.
“This is not only about ownership,” Zelenskyy said. “It is about access, security, and full demilitarization of the facility.” He added that any viable solution would also require extensive coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), underlining that unresolved safety and security concerns far outweigh any technical arrangements.
Earlier this month, the Ukrainian leader reiterated that the governance and legal status of the Zaporizhzhia plant remain among the most disputed elements of any prospective settlement. Washington, he said, has promoted a “joint management format,” while Kyiv insists on restoring full Ukrainian control in line with international law.
Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels later on Thursday to attend today's meeting of the European Council, where EU leaders are expected to debate next steps on the use of frozen Russian assets, including possible mechanisms to support Ukraine’s recovery and defense.
As The Gaze reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that five documents are currently being prepared, some of which provide for legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine, including mechanisms mirroring NATO’s Article 5.
Read more on The Gaze: NYT: What the West Is Offering Ukraine in Security Guarantees