In escalating Ukraine-Russia peace talks, President Zelensky exposes US pressure for Kyiv to cede Donetsk territory and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant control, calling it a Russian-favoring 'free economic zone.' Insisting on public vote for decisions, Ukraine submits revised plan as Trump deadlines loom. Latest: Coalition summit pushes back against concessions amid frontline advances. Discover Zelensky's stance on fair peace in this pivotal war update.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed key sticking points in US-brokered peace negotiations with Russia: the status of eastern Donetsk region and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He criticized Washington's insistence on Ukraine withdrawing troops from Donetsk to create a demilitarized 'free economic zone,' viewing it as favoring Moscow's demands since the 2022 invasion. Zelensky stressed that any territorial compromises must be decided via referendum or elections, empowering the Ukrainian people. Ukraine recently submitted an updated 20-point peace plan to the US, awaiting response, as talks intensify amid ongoing conflict.
Trump sets Christmas deadline for Ukraine to accept US peace proposal, threatening to skip European talks without progress on Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. Zelensky prepares for urgent video summit with 30-nation coalition to rally support against concessions. Russia advances in Donetsk, intensifying pressure. The Independent (Dec 11, 2025)
AFP reports: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday the status of the eastern Donetsk region and future control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were the two key points of contention in talks with
Washington wants only Ukraine to withdraw its troops from parts of the Donetsk region, where it would install a demilitarised buffer between the two armies, Zelensky said.
“They see Ukrainian forces leaving the territory of Donetsk region, and the supposed compromise is that Russian forces do not enter this territory … which they already call a ‘free economic zone’,” Zelensky told reporters.
That, he added, remained one of the key points of contention in the talks with the United States that have intensified after Washington drafted a plan to resolve the conflict that was seen as heeding to much of Russia’s demands.
“We have two key points of disagreement: the territory of Donetsk and everything related to it, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. These are the two topics we continue to discuss,” Zelensky told reporters, including from AFP, at a briefing.
He also said that any potential compromise on territory should be decided by a popular vote.
“I believe that the people of Ukraine will answer this question. Whether through elections or a referendum, there must be a position from the people of Ukraine,” he told journalists.
Ukraine said on Wednesday it handed over the updated plan for ending the Russian invasion to Washington but said it was not disclosing details of its amendments pending the American side’s reaction.