Zelenskyy Highlights Territorial Disputes in U.S.-Led Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on March 15, 2024, that ongoing U.S.-led peace talks are grappling with contentious territorial issues related to the war with Russia. Key points of contention include the future of the eastern Donetsk region and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the largest atomic facilities globally.

Zelenskyy disclosed details of the negotiations before engaging in urgent discussions with leaders from approximately 30 countries that support Ukraine’s efforts to secure fair terms for a potential settlement. He noted that Ukraine had submitted a detailed 20-point plan to the United States, with each point possibly accompanied by separate documents outlining specific settlement terms.

“We are grateful that the U.S. is working with us and trying to take a balanced position,” Zelenskyy commented during a press briefing in Kyiv. Despite the ongoing discussions, he acknowledged that defining the final agreements remains challenging.

As Russia intensifies its campaign to control the entirety of the Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk regions, which constitute the valuable Donbas industrial area, Ukraine remains steadfast in its refusal to consider the surrender of these territories. Zelenskyy stated that a fair outcome would involve both sides maintaining their current positions along the line of contact.

American negotiators have proposed the establishment of a “free economic zone” in the Donbas, while Russian officials describe it as a “demilitarized zone.” Zelenskyy indicated that the specifics of these proposals remain unclear, especially regarding the oversight of the Donbas region and the terms of military withdrawals.

In terms of the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is currently non-operational, Russia seeks to maintain control, a stance opposed by Ukraine. U.S. negotiators have suggested a joint management format for the facility, although the feasibility of this arrangement is still under discussion.

Leaders from Germany, Britain, and France participated in the recent coalition meeting, conducted via video link. Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of these talks, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of Ukraine’s leadership and his approach to improving relations with Moscow.

European governments are keen to steer the peace negotiations, as they perceive their own security to be at risk. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed their desire to finalize peace proposals collaboratively with U.S. officials over the weekend. Discussions may also take place in Berlin early next week, regardless of U.S. involvement.

As talks enter a critical phase, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would coordinate with European nations at a bilateral level and that an EU summit is scheduled for the following week in Brussels.

In parallel, Russian officials have reiterated their commitment to engage in peace discussions, with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicating that Moscow has presented “additional proposals” regarding collective security guarantees. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reported that Russia has launched over 46,000 drones and missiles against Ukraine this year alone, warning European nations of their vulnerability to potential aggression.

On the battlefield, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his armed forces are maintaining a strategic initiative, asserting that Russian troops have captured the city of Siversk, although Ukrainian officials dispute this claim.

As the negotiations continue, Ukraine’s strategic position remains precarious, with recent drone strikes targeting Russian assets, including an oil rig in the Caspian Sea, marking a significant escalation in Ukraine’s military actions.

As global leaders navigate these complex discussions, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, requiring both sides to address key territorial issues while balancing international and domestic pressures.