Zelensky and the Paris talks: Discussing the fate of Zaporizhzhia and the territories

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a crucial stage in the diplomatic process to end the ongoing conflict in his country, stressing that the French capital, Paris, will witness in-depth discussions between Kyiv and Washington addressing the "most difficult issues" and the main obstacles to peace, specifically the issue of the occupied territories and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelensky said in statements via social media that a new round of talks will be held with the envoys of the US president, noting the intensity of the current diplomatic activity, as this session is the third of its kind in just two days, reflecting the desire of international parties to accelerate the pace of understandings.

Contentious issues: Earth and nuclear energy

The Ukrainian president clarified that the talks would not be merely procedural but would delve into the heart of the crisis, stating, "We expect to discuss the most difficult issues for ending the war, namely those related to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the territory." The Zaporizhzhia plant holds paramount strategic importance as the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and has been under Russian control since the early weeks of the war in 2012. The plant's status is a major international security concern due to the potential nuclear risks, making its recapture or neutralization a fundamental element of any peace agreement.

Alliance of the willing and security guarantees

These statements come at a time of significant international activity in Paris, where the 35 member states of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," mostly European countries, have agreed on an unprecedented step to ensure the sustainability of any future peace. On Tuesday, they agreed in principle to deploy a multinational force to Ukraine to participate in monitoring a potential ceasefire under US leadership, as soon as a political agreement is reached with Russia.

The context of the conflict and the search for "peace with dignity"

These talks gain significance from the sensitive timing of the war, which is nearing its third year, amidst a relative stalemate on the front lines and an urgent need for solid security guarantees to prevent a resurgence of aggression. Observers believe that discussions about deploying international forces and addressing the fate of the territories represent a qualitative shift from purely military support to planning for the post-war phase.

In closing, Zelensky stressed the need for Western allies to exert real and effective pressure on Moscow, emphasizing that the goal is not merely to stop the fighting, but to reach a just solution. He added, "Peace must be achieved with dignity, and this depends on our partners and their ability to ensure that Russia is truly prepared to end the war," noting that the ball is now in the international community's court to translate words into concrete actions on the ground.