President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and securing strong security guarantees are the country’s main priorities in efforts to end the war with Russia.
Speaking after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelensky described the territorial issue as “the most difficult,” highlighting Moscow’s ongoing insistence that Kyiv surrender parts of eastern Donbas—a demand Ukraine rejects outright.
The comments followed two days of meetings in Florida between Ukrainian and US negotiators, aimed at revising a peace plan that Kyiv views as heavily favoring Russia.
While the White House expressed optimism on Monday, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying the administration “feels very optimistic” about a potential agreement, Zelensky offered a more cautious assessment on X, noting the talks were “very constructive” but that “some tough issues still have to be worked through.”
US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who attended the Florida meetings, is now traveling to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, accompanied by Jared Kushner, an adviser to former President Donald Trump.
Witkoff has already consulted with Zelensky, Macron, Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and is expected to present their discussions to Putin.
Last week, Putin confirmed that a draft peace plan had been shared with Russia by the Americans and suggested it could become the “basis” for a future agreement.
The draft, first circulated in November, provoked concern in Kyiv and Europe because it favored Moscow’s demands, outlined how frozen Russian assets held in Europe could be used, and set terms for Kyiv’s access to EU markets.
Macron stressed that “no finalised peace plan to speak of” currently exists and said any agreement must involve both Ukraine and European nations.
He added that the territorial question “could only be finalised by President Zelensky,” and emphasized that decisions on frozen Russian assets, security guarantees, and EU membership require European participation.
Macron also acknowledged the US’s efforts to broker peace while pointing out Russia’s reluctance: “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. So they don't seem in a rush.”
Over the past year, Moscow has appeared to engage in US-led attempts to discuss ceasefires, but many of its demands directly undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and are considered unacceptable by Kyiv.
While territory remains the main obstacle, security guarantees for Ukraine are also contentious. Kyiv and European partners are pressing for protections, such as NATO membership, to prevent future attacks, a move opposed by both Russia and Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, fighting continues on the ground, with no immediate resolution in sight.
