Zelenskyy confirms deadlock in talks with Russia on two key issues

Khrystyna Bondarieva , Roman Petrenko - 7 February, 13:17

Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that talks in Abu Dhabi failed to resolve the territorial issue and the issue of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Zaporizhzhia NPP).

Source: Ukrinform, citing Zelenskyy at a press conference, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said that the "difficult issues have remained difficult".

Quote: "Ukraine has once again reaffirmed its position on Donbas. 'We remain where we stand' is, in our view, the fairest and most reliable model for a ceasefire at the moment."

More details: Zelenskyy said that the United States again raised the idea of a free economic zone.

Quote: "I want to remind you that neither Ukraine nor Russia has ever been enthusiastic about the idea of a free economic zone. Russia wants us to withdraw from Donetsk Oblast, while we have reiterated that the most reliable position is 'We remain where we stand'. The American side is proposing this as a compromise option in their view. We have put it on record that the sides discussed this issue."

More details: Zelenskyy reported that no progress was made in Abu Dhabi on the operation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. He said that the issue had to be addressed as part of a broader package including the rebuilding of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Quote: "No common understanding has yet been found on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. All sides understand that the issue must be resolved alongside the rebuilding of the dam, water use and the overall ecosystem of that area."

More details: Zelenskyy highlighted again that territorial issues should be resolved at the level of the leaders of Ukraine, the US and Russia. He confirmed he remains ready for such talks.

Background:

Zelenskyy also said that the US had proposed ending Russia's war against Ukraine before the summer as they would have a different priority later, US congressional elections.
Reuters reported on 6 February that American and Ukrainian negotiators discussed the possibility of signing a peace agreement in March and holding elections in Ukraine in May.
Reuters also reported that two key issues remain unresolved in the talks: Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

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