Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, appears to be like again on the media in Downing Avenue, London, Monday. AP-Yonhap
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned Thursday the standing of the japanese Donetsk area and future management over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant had been the 2 key factors of rivalry in talks with Washington on a deal to finish the struggle with Russia.
He mentioned Washington was nonetheless pushing for Kyiv to make large territorial concessions to Russia to halt the battle that began with Moscow’s February 2022 invasion and that has killed tens of hundreds.
Washington desires solely Ukraine to withdraw its troops from elements of the Donetsk area, the place it will set up a demilitarised buffer between the 2 armies, Zelensky mentioned.
“They see Ukrainian forces leaving the territory of Donetsk area, and the supposed compromise is that Russian forces don’t enter this territory … which they already name a ‘free financial zone’,” Zelensky advised reporters.
That, he added, remained one of many key factors of rivalry within the talks with the USA which have intensified after Washington drafted a plan to resolve the battle that was seen as heeding to a lot of Russia’s calls for.
“We have now two key factors of disagreement: the territory of Donetsk and all the pieces associated to it, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Energy Plant. These are the 2 subjects we proceed to debate,” Zelensky advised reporters, together with from AFP, at a briefing.
He additionally mentioned that any potential compromise on territory needs to be determined by a preferred vote.
“I imagine that the individuals of Ukraine will reply this query. Whether or not by elections or a referendum, there should be a place from the individuals of Ukraine,” he advised journalists.
Ukraine mentioned on Wednesday it handed over the up to date plan for ending the Russian invasion to Washington however mentioned it was not disclosing particulars of its amendments pending the American facet’s response.
