KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that initial drafts of U.S. proposals for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia align with many of Ukraine's demands. However, he noted that neither side is likely to fulfill all their wishes in the ongoing negotiations regarding the four-year war.
Zelenskyy described the recent discussions with U.S. officials as "quite solid," emphasizing the importance of compromise as both nations work toward a settlement. He acknowledged that there are points both parties may not be ready to accept, indicating the complexity of the negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for a peace agreement, though talks have faced significant challenges due to conflicting demands from both Moscow and Kyiv. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff reported "productive and constructive" discussions with Ukrainian and European representatives in Florida. In contrast, Trump conveyed a more reserved sentiment, merely stating that "the talks are going along" while vacationing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Zelenskyy revealed that "nearly 90%" of Ukraine's demands have been included in the draft agreements, which revolve around a 20-point plan. This plan includes a framework for security guarantees involving Ukraine, European countries, and the United States, along with a separate bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. Key points mentioned by Zelenskyy include maintaining the Ukrainian army at a peacetime strength of 800,000 and the pursuit of European Union membership. Additionally, he noted plans for European forces, under the leadership of France and the U.K., to secure Ukraine's air and land defense, with support from Washington.
As negotiations progress, Ukraine has insisted that the bilateral document with the U.S. must be reviewed by the U.S. Congress, with some details classified. Meanwhile, the U.S. negotiation team is now engaging with Russian representatives, and the U.S. has requested that no specific details about these discussions be disclosed, according to Zelenskyy.
In a significant turn of events, Zelenskyy informed that Ukraine has struck deep within Russian territory, targeting an oil terminal, a pipeline, two parked jet fighters, and two ships as part of an ongoing campaign to disrupt the Russian military efforts. He asserted that recent military engagements have maintained strong defensive lines against increasing Russian attacks, which have led to higher casualties on the Russian side.
Ukrainian forces specifically targeted the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal and an ammunition depot inside Russian territory, among other facilities, to undermine Russia's military operations. Reports from Ukraine's military intelligence also confirmed that Ukrainian partisans were involved in setting fire to Russian fighter jets at a base in Lipetsk.
On the Russian side, their Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones during their overnight operations. Despite their claims, the focus remains on Russia's repeated strikes intended to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the winter months. Ukrainian officials reported that a large-scale drone attack was conducted by Russian forces, of which they managed to stop a significant number.
Overall, while negotiations for a peace deal continue, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides actively engaging in military operations aimed at securing their strategic positions. The outcome of ongoing discussions remains uncertain as both Ukraine and Russia navigate a complex landscape of demands and military realities.
