Peace Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Near Agreement Amid Key Disputes
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are reportedly close to an agreement but continue to face four to five major sticking points, notably concerning territorial control and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Russian President Vladimir Putin demands control over the whole Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a compromise involving the withdrawal of forces and the establishment of a demilitarised or free economic zone with international policing. However, the status of remaining fortress belt towns such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk remains disputed.
A potential compromise on Donbas would require Russia to withdraw from other territories including Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv. Kremlin officials have signaled the possibility of a deal that results in no Russian troops in Donbas, though Russia would still claim the territory.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Enerhodar, Europe's largest, is a critical issue. Its six reactors are currently in cold shutdown and require substantial investment to resume operations. The United States has proposed a joint management approach involving Russia and Ukraine, whereas Kyiv prefers a 50–50 arrangement with the US controlling half of the management.
Ukraine is seeking NATO-style security guarantees and aims to maintain a large military force of approximately 800,000 troops. Russia rejects the presence of European troops on Ukrainian soil. Financial matters also feature prominently, with Ukraine estimating losses of $800 billion and Russia's assets in Europe totalling €210 billion.
Trust between the sides remains low: Zelensky is distrustful of Putin, while Russia accuses Ukraine of actions such as drone attacks. These mutual suspicions are undermining progress towards a settlement.
Zelensky has proposed holding a referendum on any peace deal as part of a final settlement, accompanied by a 60-day ceasefire to prepare. Moscow opposes such a vote, arguing it would prolong the conflict and reduce the deal's legitimacy. Public opinion polls show strong support for peace but resistance to withdrawing from Donbas.
A meeting with European leaders is planned in France on January 6 as a next step in advancing the peace process.
