President Zelenski reports that Ukraine has a ready 20‑point peace plan, is pushing for EU membership, and is negotiating security guarantees with the United States, amid ongoing internal and external challenges.
Ukrainian Delegation Returns From Talks in the USA
Following discussions with U.S. representatives in Miami, the Ukrainian delegation returns home. President Volodymyr Zelenski noted that the documents are ready, though they are not yet perfect.
A framework document confirms security guarantees between Ukraine, the European Union, and the United States. A separate bilateral agreement on security guarantees is also moving toward congressional consideration.
Plan for Ukraine: 800,000 Soldiers and EU Entry
Central to the plan is maintaining an armed forces size of roughly 800,000 soldiers. Kyiv pledges core funding, but stresses that without foreign partners’ aid, sustaining contracts and full defensive capabilities is unfeasible.
Security Guarantees: Upside to EU Membership
Ukraine’s EU accession is framed as both economic security and a defensive enabler. Participation in EU defence programmes such as SAFE aims to boost member states’ military and logistical capacities.
The “Coalition of Interested” and U.S. Role
The plan’s third element is a coalition of about 30 states offering air, land, and sea security to Ukraine. Some members would provide a direct military presence; others—neutral states included—would support energy, finance, humanitarian aid, and civilian protection.
Discussion also involves the U.S. backstop—guarantee of U.S. air‑defence, aviation, and intelligence cooperation.
Direct Guarantees and Congressional Approval
A distinct block of talks focused on Washington’s direct security guarantees. The Ukrainian side insists that these guarantees be legally binding and approved by a U.S. congressional vote—differring from the Budapest Memorandum or Minsk agreements.
The duration and extension of these guarantees remain under negotiation.
Disputed Issues and Tensions in the U.S. Administration
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged hard negotiations but, for the first time, has opened up all disputed matters. Russia’s ambition to control the Donetsk perimeter clashes with Ukraine’s security assessment.
Other contentious points include the status of the Zaporizh Nuclear Power Plant, the fate of civilians on both sides of the border, and post‑war rebuilding of Ukraine.
Internal U.S. Tensions Over Peace Talks
According to NBC News, tensions surfaced in the U.S. administration over peace talks. Special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly pursued his own diplomatic initiatives without the mandate of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, triggering disagreements over both security matters and engagement with Russia.
Nonetheless, the Ukrainian side emphasizes that talks with the U.S. are the most advanced since the war began.
