Zelensky Identifies Territory as Key Hurdle in Peace Talks as US Envoy Prepares for Putin Meeting
PARIS - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Monday that the issue of territory remains the “most difficult” obstacle to achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Russia, as a U.S. envoy prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. speaking in Paris, Zelenskyy emphasized that any final agreement on territorial matters “could only be finalised by President Zelensky” and underscored the need for broader European involvement in discussions surrounding frozen russian assets, security guarantees for Ukraine, and its potential accession to the European Union.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Zelenskyy’s assessment, noting russia has rebuffed multiple attempts at negotiation. “Now we are waiting the Russian answer: are they ready to stop fighting and make peace? I want to point out that for three, four times the Russians have said no,” Macron said.
Moscow has engaged with U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire or end the war, which began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and escalated with the full-scale invasion in 2022, but its demands are considered unacceptable by kyiv as they challenge Ukraine’s sovereignty. The question of security guarantees for Ukraine – including potential NATO membership – also remains a critically important point of contention, with Russia vehemently opposing such arrangements. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also ruled out Ukraine joining the military alliance.
The diplomatic efforts come amid ongoing fighting. A russian missile strike on Dnipro, eastern Ukraine, Monday morning killed four people and injured 40, according to authorities. Reports suggest a ballistic missile may have been used in the attack, damaging office buildings, vehicles, and shops.
“we are trying to end this war with all our might and to end this war in a dignified manner,” Zelenskyy said. “Russia must end this war that it started, it is indeed its war and it is up to it to put an end to it.”
the situation is further complicated by a recent corruption scandal in Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, andriy Yermak, resigned Friday following a raid by anti-corruption investigators, though he has not been accused of wrongdoing. Two cabinet ministers have also been dismissed. Trump referenced the scandal Sunday, stating Ukraine had “some difficult little problems,” while reiterating his belief that both Russia and Ukraine desire an end to the war.
