Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the talks taking place between Washington and Kyiv in the French capital, Paris, will address the "most difficult issues" related to ending the war in Ukraine, placing the issue of territory and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant at the top of the agenda.
Zelensky wrote in an update on his official social media accounts, referring to the intensity of the current diplomatic activity: "A new round of talks will be held with the envoys of the President of the United States, and this will be the third round in just two days," reflecting the accelerating pace of coordination between the two allies.
Contentious issues: Earth and nuclear power
In detailing what he described as the "most difficult issues," the Ukrainian president explained that the discussions would focus directly on arrangements concerning Ukrainian territory, as well as the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant . This plant is of paramount strategic and security importance, not only for Ukraine but for the entire European continent, as it is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
Russian forces have controlled the station since the early weeks of the military operation that began in February 2022. Throughout the conflict, the station has been the focus of increasing international concern due to fears of a radiological disaster as a result of the military operations in its vicinity, making its recapture or securing a constant item in any negotiations to end the war.
Alliance of the willing and security guarantees
Zelensky's remarks come at a time when Paris is witnessing unprecedented international activity to support Kyiv, as the 35 member states of the so-called "coalition of the willing," most of which are European countries, have agreed on a significant step: deploying a multinational force inside Ukrainian territory.
According to the outcomes of Tuesday's meeting in Paris, the force's mission will focus on monitoring any potential ceasefire, under US command, as soon as a comprehensive peace agreement is reached with Russia. This development represents a significant shift in the Western position, moving from providing arms and funding to preparing for on-the-ground involvement in post-war peacekeeping.
Towards a dignified peace
In closing, the Ukrainian president stressed the need for Western allies to exert maximum pressure on Moscow to ensure the seriousness of the negotiations. Zelenskyy said, "Peace must be achieved with dignity, and this depends primarily on our partners and their ability to ensure that Russia is genuinely prepared to end the war, not just to maneuver.".
Observers believe that bringing up the issues of land and strategic facilities for direct discussion with Washington indicates a new phase of political realism aimed at formulating viable visions to end the conflict that has drained the human and economic resources of both sides and directly affected the global economy.
