Zelenskiy Seeks Fresh Trump Talks as Ukraine Peace Negotiators Confront Territorial Deadlock

Kyiv – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is pushing for a new meeting with US President Donald Trump as peace negotiations intensify around the most sensitive issues of land control and long-term security.

The renewed diplomatic outreach comes as Kyiv faces growing pressure to accelerate peace efforts while safeguarding national sovereignty and securing guarantees against future aggression.

Zelenskiy has indicated that direct talks with Trump are essential to assess Washington’s willingness to back Ukraine with firm security commitments extending beyond a temporary ceasefire.

Ukrainian officials say such guarantees are critical to prevent Russia from regrouping and launching renewed military action once hostilities are paused.

At the center of the talks are disputes over territory in eastern Ukraine and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest such facility.

Kyiv remains firmly opposed to Russian demands that it cede parts of the Donetsk region, which has endured prolonged fighting and heavy destruction.

Although Russian forces occupy significant areas, Ukraine continues to hold key sections and views withdrawal as politically and strategically unacceptable.

The future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has also emerged as a major sticking point, given its importance to Ukraine’s energy security and regional safety.

Zelenskiy has stressed that any agreement involving strategic assets or territory must include strong enforcement mechanisms and international oversight.

Speaking to journalists, he emphasized that diplomatic progress depends heavily on sustained pressure from the United States on Moscow.

According to Zelenskiy, Washington possesses significant economic and political leverage that could shift Russia’s calculus if used decisively.

He has pointed to recent US actions elsewhere as evidence that firm pressure can alter entrenched political behavior.

Despite diplomatic activity, Russian forces continue air strikes against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, complicating efforts to build trust around negotiations.

Zelenskiy argues that ongoing attacks undermine confidence in Russia’s commitment to any ceasefire arrangement.

In recent talks held in Paris, Ukraine’s allies expressed readiness to support a ceasefire through measures such as a multinational troop presence.

However, Kyiv has noted that many of these assurances remain political statements rather than legally binding commitments approved by national legislatures.

Ukrainian officials are seeking guarantees that would last more than 15 years, reflecting lessons learned from previous security arrangements that failed to deter aggression.

US and Ukrainian negotiators have revisited proposals related to territorial administration, including unconventional ideas aimed at breaking the impasse.

One such concept reportedly involves creating special economic arrangements in contested regions, though no formal agreement has been reached.

Zelenskiy has reiterated that any compromise on land must ultimately be decided by the Ukrainian people through a national referendum.

Public opinion surveys suggest that while many Ukrainians are open to freezing current front lines, there is strong resistance to formally surrendering territory.

This sentiment reflects the deep emotional and political cost of land concessions after years of conflict and civilian suffering.

The White House has not publicly commented on the prospect of a new meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy, leaving Kyiv awaiting clarity.

European partners continue to play a supportive role, but Ukraine views US leadership as indispensable to any durable settlement.

As negotiations proceed, the challenge lies in balancing urgency for peace with the need for credible safeguards that ensure Ukraine’s long-term independence.

Zelenskiy has framed the talks as not only about ending the current war but about shaping the security architecture of Eastern Europe for decades.

The coming weeks are expected to be decisive as negotiators test whether compromise is possible without undermining Ukraine’s core interests.