Speaking after the talks, Zelenskiy said the framework for security guarantees for Ukraine had been finalised, marking a key step forward in negotiations that Kyiv sees as essential to any lasting peace. However, he stressed that territorial integrity remains the most sensitive and unresolved issue, underscoring the deep divisions that still exist between the warring sides.

Zelenskiy also announced that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States are set to hold trilateral talks for the first time in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday. He framed the meetings as a positive development and a potential breakthrough, as direct engagement among all three parties has been limited since the conflict began.

Alongside security discussions, Zelenskiy said an agreement on Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery is close to completion. Such a deal would be a cornerstone of Kyiv’s strategy to rebuild infrastructure and revive growth after years of devastation, while also countering earlier peace proposals that Ukrainian officials believe leaned too heavily in Moscow’s favour.

Both leaders struck an optimistic tone after their meeting. Trump told reporters the discussion with Zelenskiy had been good and described the peace process as ongoing, while reiterating his belief that the war must end. He confirmed that U.S. envoys were travelling to Moscow to continue talks, adding to a flurry of high-level diplomatic activity.

Zelenskiy, who has made security guarantees a precondition for broader negotiations, said earlier this week that he would only attend Davos if agreements with Washington could be reached. Ukraine continues to face an energy crisis at home after repeated Russian air strikes damaged power and heating infrastructure, leaving millions without basic services during winter.

The Ukrainian leader accused Russia of attempting to freeze civilians into submission through sustained attacks on energy facilities, describing the strategy as a form of warfare against the population. He questioned why Russian President Vladimir Putin had not yet faced accountability, drawing comparisons with other international cases pursued by the United States.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said progress was being made in peace talks after meeting Ukrainian and Russian officials in Davos. He added that if all sides genuinely wanted a solution, an agreement was achievable, echoing cautious optimism among diplomats observing the process.

Witkoff and fellow U.S. envoy Jared Kushner were expected to meet Putin in Moscow later on Thursday, before heading to Abu Dhabi for further discussions. The talks are set to include military-level contacts and debate over a broader economic package linked to a potential settlement.

Russia has reacted cautiously to the U.S.-led initiative, maintaining demands that Ukraine cede parts of eastern territory, including areas Moscow has struggled to fully control militarily. Putin has said discussions would include reconstruction of occupied regions and proposals for new international peace mechanisms.

Financial markets responded positively to the diplomatic activity, with Ukraine’s international bonds rallying as investors grew hopeful that negotiations could lead to an end to Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Despite the talks, fighting continued on the ground, with Russian strikes hitting several Ukrainian cities and causing civilian casualties.

The proposed agreement is viewed in Kyiv as a cornerstone of any durable settlement to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. Ukrainian leaders have consistently argued that without firm international guarantees, any ceasefire or peace deal would remain fragile and vulnerable to renewed aggression.

Zelenskiy said negotiations between Ukrainian and US envoys, supported by a broader coalition of allied nations, made significant progress during high-level meetings held in Paris this week. These talks aimed to resolve remaining disagreements within a broader peace framework being discussed with Washington.

For the first time since the war began, the United States has formally endorsed the idea of providing explicit security guarantees to Ukraine. This shift marks a notable change in Washington’s position and reflects the Trump administration’s evolving role from direct backer to mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.

According to Zelenskiy, discussions addressed several complex and sensitive issues tied to ending the war. Ukraine presented its own proposals, seeking to balance territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and long-term regional stability within the emerging framework.

The Ukrainian president also emphasized that security guarantees must be credible and enforceable, particularly as Russia continues missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He argued that continued pressure on Moscow is essential to demonstrate that future guarantees are not merely symbolic.

Under President Trump, US policy has moved toward brokering a negotiated settlement, pressing both sides to make concessions while attempting to secure a deal acceptable to international stakeholders. Washington is expected to engage directly with Russia once terms with Ukraine are finalised.

Zelenskiy acknowledged that while approximately 90 percent of the peace framework has been agreed upon, several thorny issues remain unresolved. Among them are disputes over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and Russian demands for Ukrainian territory in the east.

Ukraine has consistently rejected territorial concessions, particularly in regions Russia has failed to fully occupy despite years of fighting. Zelenskiy reiterated that Kyiv expects feedback from Washington on whether Moscow is genuinely willing to end the conflict.

Beyond security arrangements, talks have also included documents related to Ukraine’s post-war recovery and long-term economic development. These discussions are seen as critical to ensuring stability once active hostilities end.

International financial institutions estimate Ukraine’s reconstruction costs to exceed $500 billion, underscoring the scale of economic challenges ahead. The United States has expressed interest in playing a major role in rebuilding efforts and securing economic partnerships in the post-war phase.

As negotiations continue, the near-finalisation of the security guarantees document represents a significant diplomatic milestone. Its completion could redefine US–Ukraine relations and shape the future security architecture of Eastern Europe.