Zelenskyy Reveals High-Stakes U.S.-Led Peace Talks on Ukraine

UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed today that critical U.S.-led peace negotiations to end the war with Russia are currently grappling with contentious territorial issues, particularly regarding the Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the world’s largest nuclear facilities. This urgent development comes as Zelenskyy prepares for an important meeting with leaders from around 30 countries to discuss Ukraine’s strategic future.

In a press conference held in Kyiv, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine submitted a detailed 20-point peace plan to the U.S. on December 10, 2025, with each point potentially linked to specific settlement documents. “We are grateful that the U.S. is working with us and trying to take a balanced position,” he stated, emphasizing the difficulty of predicting the outcome of these negotiations.

The ongoing conflict has intensified as Russia strives to assert control over the entire Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk regions, which form a crucial part of Ukraine’s Donbas industrial region. Zelenskyy firmly rejected any notion of surrendering these territories, asserting that maintaining the current front lines would be a “fair outcome.”

U.S. negotiators have proposed the creation of a “free economic zone” in the Donbas, a suggestion met with skepticism from Russian officials who prefer a “demilitarized zone.” Zelenskyy indicated that while there are discussions about a potential withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk, any such move must be reciprocated by Russian forces.

The fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains a point of contention, with Russia insisting on maintaining control. Zelenskyy noted that American negotiators have suggested a joint management format for the facility, a proposal still under negotiation.

As these discussions unfold, Zelenskyy is coordinating with key European allies, including leaders from Germany, Britain, and France, in what is termed the “Coalition of the Willing.” This coalition convened urgently as European nations seek to navigate the complexities of U.S. President Donald Trump‘s recent push for a swift resolution, which has raised concerns among European governments about their own security.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that he, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron have proposed finalizing peace proposals with U.S. officials over the weekend, with potential talks in Berlin next week.

While these negotiations are critical, they come amid a backdrop of escalating military actions. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of the ongoing threat from Russia, stating that over 46,000 drones and missiles have been launched against Ukraine this year alone. He cautioned European nations that they are likely to be future targets.

In a significant escalation, Ukrainian long-range drones recently struck a Russian oil rig in the Caspian Sea, disrupting operations and halting flights at multiple airports in Russia, including Moscow for seven hours. This unprecedented attack illustrates the increasing capabilities of Ukrainian forces and their resolve to impact Russian operations directly.

As the situation continues to evolve, both sides remain at a critical juncture, with Zelenskyy urging for a collaborative approach to peace that addresses the pressing concerns of all parties involved. The coming days are expected to be pivotal, with high-level discussions scheduled to take place and further developments anticipated.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as international leaders work tirelessly to reach a resolution.