Zelenskyy says US peace plan ‘looks better’ but territorial issue most difficult

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that the emerging peace plan being discussed between Kyiv and Washington “looks better,” stressing that the territorial issue remains the most difficult part of the negotiations.

“The territorial issue is the most difficult, the issue of money and restoration is difficult to accept without the presence of European partners. And the issue of security guarantees – specifics from the US and Europe are important. We need to be very careful here, but the plan looks better,” he told a joint press conference in Paris with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian and American negotiators spent more than six hours discussing the territorial file “only on individual points,” underscoring how challenging the talks remain.

He added that discussions with the US are continuing, Washington has already shared its vision with Ukrainian officials and now intends to raise the same issues with Moscow.

“I will receive feedback from our delegation tomorrow, they will fly to Ireland and tell me step by step where we are in these negotiations,” the president said.

Zelenskyy also addressed speculation regarding a potential leadership change at the presidential office after the resignation of Andriy Yermak, whose office was searched by anti-corruption officials, saying he will hold consultations after returning to Kyiv.

He said the choice of the next head of the presidential office depends on several factors, including the direction of management and an increased focus on diplomacy.