KYIV – Ongoing discussions between Ukraine and the United States over a possible framework to conclude Russia’s military aggression have yet to resolve several critical issues, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last week, Zelenskyy highlighted the complexities within a 20-point plan under negotiation, noting Ukraine has already shared its stance with Washington, which is expected to relay it to Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed journalists on Friday that the Kremlin had been in touch with U.S. officials since Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently met with American representatives in Florida. Details of the meeting were not disclosed, but Peskov mentioned, “It was agreed upon to continue the dialogue.”

Among the unresolved matters are:

Security Guarantees

Zelenskyy noted that discussions are ongoing regarding the specifics of security assurances that would be afforded to Ukraine in any potential agreement. He pointed out that numerous technical aspects, such as the enforcement of these guarantees and the monitoring systems to ensure adherence, are still under deliberation.

Territory

Zelenskyy said the fate of the territories that Russia claims remain the most difficult issue in the talks. He did not provide details, but has repeatedly said Kyiv will not recognize Russian control over occupied regions, including areas seized since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy has also repeatedly stated Ukraine will not cede territories it currently controls, which Russia has publicly demanded.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Zelenskyy said the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains unresolved. The facility, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian control since early on in the war and has raised repeated international safety concerns due to fighting nearby.

Ukraine has been consistent in saying that safe operation of the station requires demilitarization of its territory, where Russia currently has troops stationed. Apart from that, Ukraine has been insisting that Ukrainian workers should be granted full access to the station, which they currently don’t have.

Details previously released in the course of the current negotiations revealed that the U.S. and Ukrainian teams are in discussion of a joint-access format, potentially between all three sides (the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia).

Zelenskyy said further discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. teams are expected, including talks in Florida, and that separate documents on economic recovery and prosperity are also under consideration.