Zelensky Pushes Back Against Russian Demands Ahead of Saudi Arabia Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that officials from Ukraine and the United States will meet in Saudi Arabia next Monday for peace talks, coinciding with a separate meeting between US and Russian representatives on the same day.

Zelensky criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance, urging him to drop “unnecessary” conditions that prolong the war. Among Moscow’s demands is a halt to all military aid for Ukraine—an issue Kyiv has firmly rejected.

The Ukrainian leader also warned that removing Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations from the discussion, as demanded by Putin, would amount to a significant concession to Russia.

Additionally, Zelensky dismissed White House claims that he had discussed handing over control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to the US during a recent call with former President Donald Trump.

US Pushes for Ceasefire as Zelensky, Putin Set Conditions Ahead of Peace Talks

As the United States continues efforts to mediate an end to the war, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both expressed willingness to agree to a ceasefire in principle. However, conflicting conditions have stalled progress.

Recent talks saw Putin agreeing to halt airstrikes on energy infrastructure, yet attacks from both sides have persisted. In response, Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian delegation will present the US with a list of critical infrastructure sites that need protection from Russian strikes during the upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia.

Addressing claims from the White House about potential US ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, Zelensky dismissed the idea outright. Speaking at a press conference in Oslo alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, he clarified that while he had discussed the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia power plant with former US President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s nuclear facilities “belong to the people of Ukraine.” However, he indicated openness to US investment in modernizing the plant if it were reclaimed from Russian control.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously suggested that American ownership would offer the “best protection” for Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure.

On the question of territorial concessions, particularly Crimea—annexed by Russia in 2014—Zelensky firmly rejected any compromise, calling it “an integral part of Ukraine.” Despite Russia’s occupation, the peninsula remains internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory.

Outlining a possible ceasefire, Zelensky emphasized that halting hostilities by land and sea would be the first step toward ending Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Trump secured a verbal agreement from Putin to cease attacks on energy infrastructure, though broader terms for peace remain elusive.

NATO Membership Debate Looms as Ukraine Seeks Military Aid, Ceasefire Talks Continue

As peace negotiations approach, Russia has reiterated its demand for guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO and must remain neutral in any settlement. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized this as a key condition for Moscow.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has played down the likelihood of Ukraine joining the alliance, calling it an “unrealistic outcome” of ongoing negotiations.

Despite diplomatic efforts, the war continues unabated. Overnight strikes killed two people in Ukraine, while Ukrainian drone attacks injured 10 and ignited a fire at a Russian airfield.

Speaking to EU leaders via video link, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Europe to maintain pressure on Russia and provide urgent military aid. He specifically requested at least €5 billion (£4.18 billion) in artillery shells, stressing that sustained support is “crucial” for Ukraine’s defense. Zelensky also called for the EU to play an active role in upcoming peace talks.

Tensions between Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump flared during a heated exchange in the Oval Office, prompting the White House to temporarily pause military aid to Ukraine. However, following further discussions—including a proposed 30-day ceasefire—the aid suspension was lifted days later.

UK Pushes for ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Enforce Ukraine Peace Deal

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized that any peace agreement in Ukraine must be backed by strong security measures to ensure its durability. Speaking at a military base in London, Starmer proposed forming a "coalition of the willing" to enforce the terms of a potential deal.

His remarks followed a closed-door meeting with senior military officials from over 20 nations involved in planning the coalition. Starmer stated that the UK and its allies are shifting from "political momentum" to "military planning," stressing that preparations must begin before an agreement is reached.

“It is vitally important we do that work because we know one thing for certain—a deal without enforcement is something that Putin will breach,” he warned. “We know that because it happened before, and I am absolutely clear it will happen again.”

His comments highlight growing concerns over Russia’s commitment to any negotiated settlement and the need for concrete measures to uphold a lasting peace.

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