Volodymyr Zelensky says the United States has proposed that Ukraine withdraw from the eastern part of Donetsk and establish a “special economic zone” in the areas it currently controls.
Zelensky noted that land issues and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remained the two main unresolved obstacles in the proposed peace plan for Ukraine.
Speaking briefly to journalists, Zelensky described Washington’s desire to end the conflict quickly, the natural complexity of ongoing negotiations, and his belief that Russia has no intention of ending the war.
He said Ukraine recently sent the United States a 20-point proposal along with separate documents on security guarantees and the framework for rebuilding Ukraine.
This came after weeks of high-level diplomatic activity that resulted in several peace plans being drafted, revised, and redrafted by the United States, Ukraine, Russia, and European leaders.
“The last round was the hardest. Everything can fall apart for many reasons,” Zelensky said on Thursday.
Russia is demanding that Ukraine relinquish control over about 30% of eastern Donetsk that Kyiv still holds — a position Ukraine rejects on principle, fearing it would allow Moscow to gain a launching point for future attacks.
According to Zelensky, the United States is now working on a plan that would see Ukrainian forces withdraw from part of Donetsk, with Russian forces committing not to advance into the vacated land. He added that this area would become a “special economic zone” or a “militarily controlled zone.”
However, he emphasized that it would not be fair to withdraw unilaterally, insisting that Russia must pull back by an equal distance.
“What would stop [Russia] from advancing or entering in civilian disguise?” he asked.
Zelensky said these were “very serious concerns,” adding that Ukraine might not accept the proposal at all — though he left the door open to holding elections or a referendum to let Ukrainians decide.
He acknowledged that the conflict’s trajectory would shape negotiation outcomes: “It depends greatly on our armed forces — what they can hold, where they can stop the enemy, and what they can destroy. This affects everything.”
He also identified the administration of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as another major sticking point.
The plant — the largest in Europe — lies on the front line and has been under Russian control since March 2022.
Zelensky mentioned a potential solution in which Russian forces would withdraw and control of the plant would be transferred to Kyiv, with U.S. participation — though he noted the details remained unclear and Russia would likely reject the idea.
U.S. President Donald Trump appears increasingly impatient with the conflict’s complexities, and Zelensky and his Ukrainian partners fear that Washington may eventually impose a Russia-favored settlement on Ukraine.
At a press conference, Zelensky stressed that the U.S. desire is for a “faster end” to the war, with no fixed timeline for reaching an agreement.
Ukraine, which faces near-daily large-scale air attacks, is pushing for de-escalation and demanding an immediate ceasefire before a more detailed agreement is reached.
But Russia stands to benefit most from delaying a ceasefire, as its forces continue to make small but consistent gains on the front line while its attacks wear down the Ukrainian population.
“After several rounds of negotiations with Russia, the Americans now seem closer to Russia’s viewpoint,” Zelensky said.
Kremlin officials have made more pessimistic statements than their European, American, and Ukrainian counterparts.
Still, Russia has tried to project an image of ongoing communication with Washington over the terms of a potential peace deal.
On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Trump’s attempt to pursue an agreement, citing a recent meeting between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Stephen Wittkoff at the Kremlin, which he said helped “clear away misunderstandings.”
Lavrov also hinted at questions over providing Ukraine with security guarantees that would involve foreign troops operating in the country.
“This returns us to the flawed logic of Zelensky’s so-called peace plan,” Lavrov warned, noting that the U.S. had “recently” sent separate proposals on collective security and that Russia had outlined the legal guarantees it sought regarding NATO and EU systems not targeting Russia.
But neither Ukraine nor Europe can take Moscow’s promises at face value, since Russia has repeatedly violated ceasefires and de-escalation agreements in the past.
European and Ukrainian officials want U.S. involvement in providing security guarantees to prevent Ukraine from becoming vulnerable to renewed attacks.
Zelensky said he had received a draft U.S. proposal on security guarantees, though it remained under development — suggesting it did not yet fully address Kyiv’s concerns.
“The United States does not want Ukraine in NATO. They say this clearly… So I believe they have no issue discussing NATO with the Russians,” Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine must proceed “carefully,” noting: “We don’t know what other agreements the United States may have reached with Russia. We will learn in due time.”
Zelensky acknowledged that U.S. support for Kyiv might one day end — whether through limits on arms transfers via third countries or reduced intelligence sharing.
Highlighting the difficulty of the talks and his doubts about Russia’s sincerity, Zelensky told reporters: “No one knows what could happen the day after tomorrow… We don’t know how these negotiations will end.”
Reuters — Volodymyr Zelensky
A map of Ukraine’s south-eastern territories under Russian occupation
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