Zelenskyy Urges Urgent Action in U.S.-Led Peace Talks with Russia

UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed critical details about ongoing U.S.-led peace talks with Russia, focusing on the contentious issue of territorial claims. As negotiations intensify, Zelenskyy emphasized that discussions are grappling with the future of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the world’s largest atomic facilities.

Earlier today, Zelenskyy addressed reporters in Kyiv, stating that negotiations are at a pivotal juncture. He remarked, “We are grateful that the U.S. is working with us and trying to take a balanced position. But at this moment, it is still difficult to say what the final documents will look like.”

The urgency of these talks is underscored by the escalating conflict, now approaching its fourth year. Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine submitted a detailed 20-point plan to the U.S. on December 10, 2025, aimed at securing fair terms for a potential settlement.

As part of the negotiations, American mediators have suggested the creation of a “free economic zone” in the Donbas, which Russia terms a “demilitarized zone.” Zelenskyy rejected the idea of surrendering the Donbas region, insisting that maintaining the current frontlines would be a “fair outcome.”

In a critical statement, Zelenskyy noted that if Ukrainian forces are to withdraw from Donetsk, Russian troops should also pull back correspondingly. “There are many unanswered questions, including who would oversee the Donbas,” he added.

The situation around the Zaporizhzhia plant remains contentious, with Russia seeking control over the facility despite its current inactivity. U.S. negotiators proposed a joint management approach, which is now under discussion.

As the Coalition of the Willing, including leaders from Germany, Britain, and France, convenes via video link, Zelenskyy urged swift action to avoid being sidelined by U.S. political dynamics, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump’s previous criticisms of Ukraine.

European leaders are actively pushing for a resolution, acknowledging that their own security is intertwined with the outcome of these talks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he, alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, is advocating for finalizing peace proposals over the weekend.

Amidst these developments, Russian officials announced new security proposals aimed at engaging with Trump’s peace efforts and potentially avoiding further U.S. sanctions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed that Moscow has communicated additional proposals regarding collective security guarantees.

As NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of Russia’s increasing military capabilities, he noted that Moscow has launched over 46,000 drones and missiles against Ukraine this year alone. Rutte cautioned that Europe remains a potential target for Russian aggression.

In a dramatic escalation, Ukrainian forces have launched significant drone strikes, hitting a Russian oil rig in the Caspian Sea and disrupting operations for the first time. This attack significantly impacts Russia’s oil extraction efforts amid ongoing hostilities.

As this situation evolves rapidly, the world watches closely. The implications of these negotiations could redefine the conflict landscape in Eastern Europe, and the stakes have never been higher.

Stay tuned for more updates as these critical discussions develop.