The US wants peace in March, Russia refuses to hand over control of Zaporizhzhia

Negotiators from the United States and Ukraine discussed the ambitious goal of reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine as early as March, but according to sources, this deadline is likely to be postponed due to a lack of agreement on the issue of territory.

According to the framework of the negotiations, any agreement would also have to be submitted to Ukrainian voters in a referendum to be held simultaneously with the national elections.

The US negotiating team emphasized the need to hold the vote as soon as possible. It argued that with the November congressional elections approaching, President Donald Trump would be more focused on domestic issues, which would limit the time and political capital devoted to the peace agreement.

The second round of US-mediated talks ended with the release of 314 prisoners of war and a commitment to continue discussions. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced another meeting in the United States.

The possibility of holding elections and a referendum in May was also discussed, but Ukrainian authorities estimate that preparations would take about six months and require legislative changes for martial law. The biggest obstacles remain the dispute over Donbas and the issue of control over the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.

According to sources, Moscow has rejected the US proposal that Washington control Europe's largest nuclear power plant and distribute energy to both Russia and Ukraine. The plant is currently located in territory occupied by the Russian army.

(reuters, max)