Zelenskyy: Hardest war issues on agenda for US talks in Paris
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian and US representatives will discuss the most difficult issues today in Paris, including territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, according to Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov.
The head of state said that on January 7, he received the first report from Rustem Umerov on the work of Ukraine’s negotiating team in France. He added that another round of talks with representatives of US President Donald Trump is expected today, which will be the third session in two days.
The toughest issues in the talks
“We expect that, among other things, the most difficult issues from the basic framework for ending the war will be discussed — specifically the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and territorial issues,” the president said.
Zelenskyy also instructed the Ukrainian team to discuss possible formats for meetings at the leaders’ level involving Ukraine, EU countries, and the United States.
“Ukraine does not shy away from the most difficult issues and will never be an obstacle to peace. Peace must be dignified. And it depends on our partners whether they ensure Russia’s real readiness to end the war,” he stressed.
The president added that Ukraine will be represented at today’s talks by Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff, Andrii Hnatov, Head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, Oleksandr Bevz, First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia, and Servant of the People parliamentary faction leader Davyd Arakhamia.
Results of the Coalition of the Willing meeting
Umerov reported that the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris was attended by 27 EU countries and partners from the Asia-Pacific region. NATO was represented by Secretary General Mark Rutte and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich.
According to him, the meeting resulted in the signing of a joint declaration by the coalition countries “on reliable security guarantees for a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine.” In addition, Umerov said, a trilateral declaration was signed by Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom.
“The meeting demonstrated readiness to move from political statements to practical decisions. Russia must also take real steps toward peace,” Umerov emphasized.
Talks in Paris
Previously, on January 6, Ukraine, the United States, and countries from the Coalition of the Willing held talks in Paris. The parties reaffirmed unity on achieving a sustainable peace and agreed on continued support for Kyiv.
Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom signed a declaration on establishing a joint coordination group.
According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the new mechanism will allow for full integration of the armed forces of the participating countries.
The coordination group will operate at the operational level in cooperation with a special штаб in Paris, ensuring maximum coordination among coalition members in supporting Ukraine.
In addition, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the creation of military hubs in Ukraine after confirming the deployment of a British contingent to Ukrainian territory to support a future ceasefire regime.
