Speaking to journalists on December 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined Ukraine's stance on key aspects of peace negotiations and identified the most difficult unresolved issues.
According to the Head of State, the toughest issues involve Ukraine's territories, control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and funds for reconstruction. A number of technical issues regarding security guarantees and monitoring formats also remain.
"We have currently conveyed our vision to the United States. They will communicate with Russia, and we are awaiting a response," Zelensky stated.
The President confirmed that the U.S. has proposed holding a trilateral meeting at the security advisor level involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. Zelensky expressed skepticism regarding potential results but noted that Ukraine supports the initiative if it leads to prisoner exchanges or other agreements.
Regarding the U.S. proposal for a "free economic zone" in the Donbas—free of troops and heavy weaponry—Zelensky stated he does not believe such a format would be safe. "We do not trust that such a free economic zone would be secure. We are certain the Russian army would want to enter our territory at any moment," he emphasized. Any troop withdrawal, he added, must be reciprocal, and the final decision on such a zone would be made by the people of Ukraine.
The President stressed that Ukraine controls parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and has neither the ability nor the desire to abandon these territories. "In my view, a fair version for today is: we stand where we stand," he said.
Zelensky also noted that ending the war must become a strategic victory for the U.S., not a defeat. According to him, it is the U.S. and Trump who possess the real power to stop the war, whereas China demonstrates no desire to do so.
"I do not yet see any demonstration of desire or readiness on Russia's part to end the war. Although our colleagues from the United States say that Russia wants the war to end," the President noted.
The Head of State called for increased sanctions pressure on Russia, comparing the current situation to dealing with a "spoiled brat." "If he has no money—whether he wants to or not—he simply won't be able to [continue]," Zelensky explained regarding the logic of economic pressure.
Regarding the €90 billion in financial aid from the EU, the President highlighted a crucial condition: Ukraine will repay these funds only when Russia pays reparations in the same amount. "Russia will do everything to make the world forget about this over time. There is a clear linkage here," he emphasized.
Zelensky also reported that partners have begun "holding back" missiles for Ukrainian air defense systems. In his opinion, one reason is the intimidation of Europe by Russian drones, causing European nations to keep air defense assets for themselves.
Zelensky Identifies Most Difficult Issues in Peace Plan
The President confirmed that the first round of negotiations between the Ukrainian and American delegations had taken place in the U.S. He expects a report from NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov before the next stage.
As a reminder, Zelensky has named the conditions for a real peace.
