Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced that his delegates had “constructive” discussions with a United States negotiating team. That’s the short list for a creative team that would include heavy hitters such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The discussions focused on a modified version of the original eight-point peace plan put forth by Kyiv. Central to this plan are a number of guiding documents yet to be completed. This is all being discussed today, as many unanswered questions of territorial dispute exist. That holds doubly true for areas that Russia has deemed “demilitarized” areas.
Zelensky highlighted how the conversations with the US delegation were primarily centered around important topics about the current war. He painted a grim picture for Ukraine’s future territorial integrity. He stressed that though Kyiv was open to pale green dot compromise, any deal had to be seen as fair.
“If someone withdraws from one side — as they want Ukrainians to do — why doesn’t the other side of the war withdraw the same distance in the other direction?” – Volodymyr Zelensky
The Ukrainian president criticized this talk of a possible “free economic zone” in parts of the Donbas. Creating this zone would mean forcing Ukrainian forces to pull back from the area. That latter point, though, was raised by Rep. He claimed that providing guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression is essential for any deal.
Zelensky’s statements underscored the need for quickly wrapping up talks with the United States. He suggested that US officials are very much looking for Ukrainian officials to be clear on what Ukraine’s position will be on the peace agreement by Christmas. As we all know these days, ongoing tensions add a sense of urgency. So for Zelensky, these security guarantees are absolutely essential for moving ahead to the next stages of any peace process.
“Therefore, it is now important that this document on security guarantees provides specific answers to what concerns Ukrainians most: What actions will our partners take if Russia decides to renew its aggression?” – Volodymyr Zelensky
In a separate meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Zelensky conferred with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. These conversations only helped to crystalize the tremendous role international assistance will play in pushing forward with Ukraine’s security and territorial reclamation goals.
The Ukrainian leader quickly underscored that the constantly developing war has conjured a unique scenario. Territorial claims are bitterly disputed. Otherwise, he claimed, Ukraine would have to agree to Russian terms of territorial control over the entirety of Donbas. This leadership stance is part of a larger congressional bipartisan effort to stand by Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of aggressive Russian tanks.
“The Russians want the whole of the Donbas — but we, of course, do not accept this,” – Volodymyr Zelensky
As the G20 Conference began, Zelensky expressed skepticism at any hope of a ceasefire. This followed the warring parties signing a final agreement. He expressed skepticism that the Russians would not use established zones of withdrawal as a launching pad for future military offensives.
“If some troops have to leave and other troops remain where they are, what exactly will prevent these other troops — i.e., Russian troops — from going further?” – Volodymyr Zelensky
Zelensky carefully and deliberately underscored that there is not one single peace plan laid out on one piece of paper. Rather, it is a patchwork of legal agreements that need to be tailored to address troubling matters of land and security. He emphasized that although compromise is inevitable, compromises should be equitable.
“It is not a fact that we, as Ukraine, will accept this — but when you talk to us about compromise, you have to offer a fair compromise.” – Volodymyr Zelensky
Zelensky’s comments are a window into a sophisticated appreciation of the domestic and international forces simultaneously shaping this war—as well as a recognition of the long game. Territory and security issues have taken center stage in the negotiations. Yet, as Ukraine continues to push for peace, these are still central to Ukraine’s priorities.
