President Volodymyr Zelensky said negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine are approaching a critical stage, with U.S.-mediated proposals expected to be finalized within days and presented to Moscow, even as deep disagreements persist over territory and post-war security arrangements.

Talks Advance, But Territory Remains a Core Dispute

Speaking to journalists in Berlin after intensive meetings with U.S. officials, Zelensky described the draft peace framework as “not perfect, but highly workable.” He stressed, however, that fundamental questions—particularly the fate of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces—have yet to be resolved.

American officials say U.S.-led diplomatic efforts are gaining momentum, with Ukraine and European partners reportedly aligned on roughly 90% of Washington’s proposed framework. U.S. President Donald Trump said the parties are “closer to a peace agreement than ever before.”

Despite the progress, Zelensky reiterated that Kyiv will not recognize Russian control over any part of the Donbas region, including Luhansk and Donetsk, which remain economically and strategically vital to Ukraine.

Security Guarantees Near Agreement

Zelensky said discussions in Berlin brought the sides “very close to an agreement on strong security guarantees.” According to a NATO-country official speaking on condition of anonymity, the proposal centers on maintaining a robust Ukrainian military supported by Western allies.

Under the emerging framework, European countries would lead a multinational, multi-domain force to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses on land, sea, and air, while the United States would oversee an internationally supported ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism.

Zelensky emphasized that any arrangement short of binding guarantees would leave Ukraine vulnerable, particularly if NATO membership remains out of reach.

Moscow Rejects Temporary Solutions

The Kremlin has pushed back strongly against the direction of the talks. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is not interested in a temporary ceasefire, warning that Russia would be unlikely to participate in what he described as “unsustainable, short-term solutions.”

“We want peace, not a pause that allows Ukraine to regroup and prepare for further war,” Peskov said, adding that Russia seeks to secure its interests and what it calls long-term stability in Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand international recognition of Russia’s claims over Crimea, illegally annexed in 2014, as well as full control over four partially occupied Ukrainian regions.

Pressure to Increase if Diplomacy Fails

Zelensky warned that if Moscow rejects diplomatic efforts, Ukraine expects intensified Western pressure on Russia, including tougher sanctions and expanded military assistance such as advanced air defense systems and long-range weapons.

He said Kyiv’s negotiating position is driven by accountability, insisting Russia must be held responsible for the war, civilian casualties, and widespread destruction.

Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine and the United States are preparing up to five documents related to the peace framework, most of them focused on security arrangements. He described the Berlin meetings as a clear demonstration of unity among Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.

“Overall, there was a strong sense of unity,” Zelensky said. “That unity is a very positive signal for the path ahead.”