Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on 1/12, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's priority remains ensuring security, sovereignty, and preventing concessions that could lead to recognition of Russian-controlled territories.

"Our biggest challenge is the territorial issue", he said, urging partners to avoid outcomes that unduly benefit Moscow.

President Zelensky (left) and President Macron before a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 1/12. Photo: AFP

His comments came as officials from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK held discussions in Paris, speaking with US envoy Steve Witkoff to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.

President Zelensky noted that the discussions also reviewed earlier talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Florida, adding that more events are being prepared across Europe.

At the joint press conference, President Macron declared that Ukraine must be "the party to decide its own territorial boundaries". He added that the US and its European allies are planning further dialogues on potential security guarantees for Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need for Europe and the US to unite in pursuing peace for Ukraine. She commended President Zelensky's "consistent constructive approach" and expressed hope that Russia would "make its own concrete contribution" to future negotiations.

Territorial issues remain the most sensitive point in Ukraine's peace talks.

Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, are scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on 2/12.

President Zelensky hopes to speak with President Trump in the near future. However, Ukrainian officials have conveyed clearly to Washington that Kyiv will not accept any agreement requiring territorial concessions.

Rustem Umerov, an advisor to President Zelensky, stated that security guarantees remain a sensitive part of discussions because Kyiv "is seeking security for both Europe and Ukraine". He added that negotiations will be "extremely difficult" if Russia participates, believing Moscow still thinks "continuing the conflict will be less costly than ending it".

Washington last week proposed a plan to end the Ukraine conflict, seeking approval from Moscow and Kyiv. The initial 28-point proposal included demands for Ukraine to cede some territory, accept military size limitations, and cease pursuing NATO membership.

This draft met with opposition from Ukraine and European nations. Some provisions were removed in an updated draft, but its content has not been released.

By Vu Hoang (Al Jazeera, Reuters, AFP)