Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the status of Donbas, specifically the areas still under Ukrainian control, continues to be a major sticking point in peace negotiations with Russia.
Peace talks are accelerating under heavy pressure from the United States, which seeks a deal to end Russia’s nearly four-year war against Ukraine. However, Kyiv stresses that any agreement must protect Ukrainian sovereignty and address key security concerns.
“We have sent the U.S. team a revised framework document containing 20 key points. This could serve as a foundation for the entire agreement. We are awaiting a response from the United States,” Zelensky said during a meeting with more than 30 leaders from the so-called “Coalition of Willing.”
One key issue is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, currently under Russian control, which Zelensky says must also be addressed in negotiations. He stressed that any peace deal must involve Ukrainian consent for territorial compromises, potentially through elections or a referendum.
According to Zelensky, U.S. officials have proposed that Ukrainian troops withdraw from fortified parts of Donetsk still under Kyiv’s control. In return, Russia would theoretically not enter the area, where the U.S. envisions establishing a “free economic zone”.
“They don’t yet know who will govern this territory,” Zelensky noted, adding that Russia refers to it as a “demilitarized zone.”
Regarding a reported U.S. deadline of 25 December for Ukraine to accept the peace proposal, Zelensky clarified that Kyiv has not been given a fixed deadline, though Washington is reportedly eager to gauge Ukraine’s position before Christmas.
Zelensky also noted that an armistice would be required if elections are to be held soon, despite Ukrainian military law currently prohibiting voting in active conflict zones. He indicated that elections could take place within 60–90 days, provided security guarantees are in place.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who aims to mediate a resolution to the conflict, has said that the U.S. may attend a scheduled meeting in Europe on 13 December, depending on prospects for progress.
“The President is extremely frustrated with both sides of this conflict and weary of meetings that are more for show than substance,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
As peace talks continue, Zelensky and Kyiv insist that Ukrainian voices and security concerns remain central to any proposed settlement with Russia.
