Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a direct meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to address the most delicate aspects of a potential peace agreement with Russia, including the issue of territorial control. The proposal follows a fresh round of U.S.-Ukrainian talks in Miami that brought the two sides closer to a draft framework for ending the war.
Speaking to reporters in remarks released by his office on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said the delegations had nearly completed work on a 20-point document that could form the foundation for a political settlement. “This is a framework a foundational document on ending the war, a political document between us, America, Europe, and the Russians,” he said. “We are ready for a meeting at the leaders’ level to discuss sensitive matters such as territorial questions.”
A Step Forward from Earlier Plans
Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two but has yet to secure meaningful progress from either Moscow or Kyiv. Previous drafts of the U.S. peace proposal were criticised in Ukraine for aligning too closely with Russian demands, including territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine’s armed forces.
Zelenskyy said the latest 20-point framework represents a substantial improvement from the earlier 28-point version discussed between the United States and Russia. Under the new plan, Ukraine would retain its current army strength of around 800,000 troops. Additional agreements with Washington and European partners would provide strong security guarantees, ensuring continued Western backing.
“We will see a strong Ukraine supported by the Coalition of the Willing, with a mechanism to monitor compliance with peace and a clear plan to respond to any renewed Russian aggression,” Zelenskyy said. He added that both delegations also worked on agreements covering post-war reconstruction and investment.
Key Disputes Over Territory
Despite progress on several issues, Kyiv and Washington remain divided over the question of territory. Ukraine’s position, Zelenskyy said, is to “remain where we are,” meaning hostilities would stop along current battle lines. Russia, however, continues to demand full control of the eastern Donetsk region, around a quarter of which remains under Ukrainian control.
Washington is reportedly seeking a compromise that could involve establishing a demilitarised or free economic zone in disputed areas.
The fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant also remains unresolved. The facility Europe’s largest is under Russian occupation near the front line. Zelenskyy said Kyiv had suggested turning the surrounding area into a limited economic zone to ensure safety and economic cooperation.
Next Steps in Peace Efforts
Zelenskyy said the new 20-point proposal would soon be submitted to Moscow for review. “If all regions are included and if we remain where we are, then we will reach an agreement,” he said. “But if not, there are two options: either the war continues, or we decide on potential economic zones.”
His remarks signal Ukraine’s cautious optimism that negotiations with the United States and its allies could lead to a breakthrough, even as deep disagreements over territory persist.
with inputs from Reuters
