Kyiv: A senior United States envoy has said that a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine may be close after months of negotiations involving Washington Moscow and Kyiv. Keith Kellogg who is expected to leave his role in January said discussions have made progress and only a few key issues remain unresolved.
Kellogg shared these comments during a public forum and explained that the status of the Donbas region and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are the two main points still under discussion. The power plant is controlled by Russia and is one of Europes largest nuclear facilities. A leaked proposal suggests the International Atomic Energy Agency could supervise the plant and the electricity could be shared between Ukraine and Russia.
Despite signs of diplomatic movement fighting has continued on the ground. In recent days Russia launched a major drone and missile attack across Ukraine targeting energy facilities including areas near Zaporizhzhia. This has raised doubts among Ukrainian officials and European leaders about Moscows intentions.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that he recently held what he called a substantive discussion with US envoys including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He said Ukraine remained committed to serious negotiations but warned that the country will not accept what he described as a forced or unfair peace.
European governments have also expressed concern and some leaders fear Ukraine could be pressured into accepting terms that leave Russian forces in control of occupied territories. Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said earlier this week that Kyiv wants a real peace agreement not one that repeats the mistakes of past compromises.
The war now in its fourth year has caused heavy losses on both sides and has damaged cities infrastructure and the economy. Kellogg said this humanitarian and military toll makes it urgent to find a settlement.
For now the peace talks continue but the situation remains fragile. Whether an agreement will be reached soon will depend on the final negotiations and on whether Russia reduces military actions while discussions are still underway.