Key Issues in the Ukraine Peace Negotiations

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted two pivotal issues that stand in the way of achieving a lasting peace agreement: the division of territory and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. In a recent briefing following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, Zelensky indicated that while the peace plan is largely agreed upon—about 90%—these remaining questions pose significant challenges.

Territorial Disputes in the Donbas Region

The heart of the conflict revolves around the Donbas region, an industrial hub located in eastern Ukraine. This area is primarily composed of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and has been a focal point of contention since the conflict began. Currently, Russian forces control approximately 80 percent of this territory, asserting their intent to capture the remaining regions, even if it requires military action. Analysts, however, caution that this objective may take years for Russia to achieve, indicating a protracted struggle ahead.

On the Ukrainian side, the situation is equally complex. Ukraine holds on to two crucial cities within Donetsk—Slovyansk and Kramatorsk—considered strategic strongholds. Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not relinquish any territory without a constitutionally mandated referendum, which can only occur during a ceasefire. Unfortunately, this scenario is complicated by Russia’s rejection of a ceasefire, perpetuating the stalemate.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Another critical issue impacting the peace talks is the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is the largest in Europe. Following the full-scale invasion launched by Russia in 2022, the plant has been under Russian control. This situation raises significant concerns not only for Ukraine but also for the broader international community, particularly in terms of nuclear safety.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding who will operate the nuclear facility in peacetime. The United States may play a vital mediating role in these discussions, particularly in determining how the electricity generated by the plant will be shared between Russia and Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, has consistently voiced international safety concerns stemming from ongoing military operations near the plant. Recent fighting has led to damage to administrative buildings and occasional power losses, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.

Demilitarization and Access for Ukrainian Workers

One of Ukraine’s primary demands is the demilitarization of the area surrounding the Zaporizhzhia plant. Ukrainian officials argue that safe operations can only be assured if the region is free from military presence. Moreover, there is a pressing need for Ukrainian workers to have full access to the facility, which they currently lack. This issue not only reflects concerns about operational safety but also underscores the broader implications of control over critical infrastructure.

The Role of Security Guarantees

In addition to these two central issues, security guarantees remain an essential element of the ongoing negotiations. The exact details regarding how these guarantees will be structured and enforced are still under discussion, but they are vital for building confidence between the negotiating parties.

Zelensky’s statements reveal that while a significant portion of a potential peace plan is in place, unresolved issues regarding territorial integrity and the security of nuclear infrastructure continue to create hurdles. As negotiations continue, these concerns will remain at the forefront of discussions, shaping the future landscape of Ukraine’s recovery and stability.