"The Russians want all of Donbass (the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine), we do not accept that. I believe that it is the Ukrainian people who should answer this question. Regardless of whether it is done in the form of an election or a referendum, the Ukrainians must have their say," Zelensky told reporters in Kiev.
Disagree
The United States is pushing for a demilitarized "free economic zone" between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the east of the country as part of a deal to end the war, Zelensky said. Under the proposal, he continued, Ukrainian forces would leave the zone in exchange for Russian forces not entering areas they do not already occupy.
Zelenskyy emphasizes that Kyiv does not agree with Washington on this point.
"The Americans are looking for a suitable format. Let's see where it lands. Right now I think a lot depends on our military," he says.
Control over nuclear power plants
In addition to the issue of territories, control of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant – the largest in Europe – also plays a central role in the ongoing talks, according to the Ukrainian president. The Ukrainian side is demanding that Russia leave the occupied power plant and that it be controlled by the United States or Ukraine instead, Ukrainian media reports.
These are the two issues we continue to discuss, says Zelenskyy, describing them as key issues where there is “disagreement.”
Ukraine's president earlier this week opened the door to holding elections within the next two to three months, but he noted that this, in addition to legal changes that allow for elections in wartime, would require both Europe and the United States to help maintain security.
