President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined Ukraine's primary objectives in potential peace talks, emphasizing the defense of national sovereignty and the need for robust security guarantees. He identified the "territorial issue" as the most challenging point of contention, referencing Russia's ongoing demand for Ukraine to relinquish control of areas in the eastern Donbas region—a concession Kyiv has steadfastly refused.
Zelensky made the remarks in Paris following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Ukrainian leader also participated in a conference call with other European heads of state, including those from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and Italy.
This European diplomatic activity coincided with the conclusion of two days of talks between Ukrainian and American negotiators in Florida. The discussions focused on revising a preliminary peace proposal widely perceived as favoring Russian interests.
The White House expressed optimism about the process. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that the administration "feels very optimistic" about reaching a deal to end the conflict. Zelensky offered a more guarded assessment, posting on social media that the talks were "very constructive" but acknowledging "some tough issues that still have to be worked through."
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who participated in the Florida meetings, is now en route to Moscow. He is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, accompanied by Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law and advisor. Prior to his departure, Witkoff held discussions with Zelensky, Macron, Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and is expected to convey the outcomes to Putin.
Last week, President Putin confirmed that a draft peace plan had been presented by American officials and could serve as a "basis" for a future agreement.
• European Concerns Over Draft Plan
The initial draft, circulated in November, caused significant concern in Kyiv and European capitals. Beyond aligning closely with Moscow's core demands, the proposal also sought to dictate the management of billions in frozen Russian assets held in European institutions and set conditions for Ukraine's access to EU markets.
President Macron clarified that there is currently "no finalised peace plan to speak of," insisting that any final proposal must be developed with direct input from both Ukraine and European nations. European leaders have urgently sought inclusion in the negotiations since the draft was leaked, pressing the United States to involve them in any future agreement.
Macron stressed that the territorial question could "only be finalised by President Zelensky" and noted that matters concerning frozen assets, security guarantees, and EU accession necessarily involve European stakeholders. He praised the Trump administration's efforts to end the war, which began with Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and escalated to a full-scale invasion in 2022, but questioned Moscow's commitment.
"Now we are waiting for the Russian answer: are they ready to stop fighting and make peace?" Macron said. "I want to point out that for three, four times the Russians have said no. So they don't seem in a rush."
• Sticking Points: Territory and Security
While Moscow has engaged with U.S.-led diplomatic efforts this year, several of its key demands are viewed as violations of Ukrainian sovereignty and are unacceptable to Kyiv. Beyond territory, the issue of future security guarantees remains deeply divisive. Ukraine and its European allies strongly support guarantees like NATO membership to deter future aggression, a prospect both Russia and former President Donald Trump have vehemently opposed.
• War and Scandal on the Home Front
Amid the diplomacy, violence persists. A Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro on Monday morning killed four people and injured 40 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. Unconfirmed reports suggest a ballistic missile was used. Online video showed a major explosion near a highway, with local media reporting damage to an office block, vehicles, and shops.
"We are trying to end this war with all our might and to end this war in a dignified manner," Zelensky stated in Paris. "Russia must end this war that it started, it is its war and it is up to it to put an end to it."
The renewed diplomatic push unfolds against a backdrop of domestic political challenge for Zelensky. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak—who also led Ukraine's peace delegation—resigned on Friday after anti-corruption investigators searched his home. Yermak has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Two cabinet ministers have also been dismissed.
Commenting on the situation, Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that Ukraine had "some difficult little problems," while reiterating his belief that both Russia and Ukraine desire an end to the war.
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Source: BBC
