• U.S. pushing Ukraine for large territorial concessions in peace negotiations.
• Zelensky emphasizes that only Ukraine is expected to withdraw troops.
• Key disagreements remain over Donetsk territory and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
• Trump expresses frustration over the ongoing war dynamics and calls for action.
• Negotiations aim for a potential deal framework by Christmas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the United States is continuing to push for significant territorial concessions from Ukraine in an attempt to end the war initiated by Russia's invasion in February 2022. According to Zelensky, Washington is advocating for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from certain parts of the Donetsk region, while not requiring a similar pullout from Russia. Instead, the proposal includes establishing a demilitarized "free economic zone" between the two sides, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and India Times.

Zelensky highlighted two key points of disagreement in negotiations: the status of territories in Donetsk and issues related to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. He emphasized that discussions continue to revolve around these pivotal elements of the conflict, stating, "We have two key points of disagreement: the territories of Donetsk and everything related to them, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," as reported by Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and India Times.

President Trump has expressed his frustration over the talks, stating that he wants an end to the war and is focused on making progress rather than engaging in discussions that do not lead to direct action. Trump indicated the urgency of finding a resolution, mentioning plans for a representative to attend upcoming talks in Europe with hopes of a ceasefire, according to Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

Zelensky has reiterated that he possesses no constitutional or moral authority to cede land, suggesting that any decision on territorial concessions should ultimately come from the Ukrainian people through a referendum. Despite the negotiations, there is significant skepticism regarding Russia's intent to cease its military actions, with Zelensky stating, "I don't see any sign that they want to end the war," as he remarked on the current status of the regional conflict, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and India Times.