US and Ukraine Reach Consensus on Key Issues, But Territorial Disputes Persist

KYIV, Ukraine — The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on several key issues aimed at ending the conflict with Russia, but significant challenges remain. President Zelenskyy outlined the plan, highlighting the unresolved territorial dispute in Donbas and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Russia’s territorial claims in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk and Luhansk, remain a major hurdle. The US has suggested turning these regions into free economic zones, but Ukraine insists on a referendum and demilitarization before agreeing.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, currently under Russian control, is another contentious issue. While the US proposed joint management with Russia, Zelenskyy rejected this and suggested an alternative plan with the US and Ukraine only.

The peace draft also includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine, mirroring NATO’s Article 5, and calls for a large-scale economic recovery plan. Despite progress, Zelenskyy stressed that difficult discussions remain, especially around territorial control and energy security.