Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv and Washington have yet to align on three key issues: the status of the Donbas, control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and a reparations-backed loan mechanism. He spoke at a briefing.
“As for the sensitive issues we discussed with the United States of America — that’s the Donbas, an unresolved issue where we have different views. The [Zaporizhzhia] nuclear plant. The issue is not resolved. And the question of money,” Zelensky said.
He said he supports providing Ukraine with a reparations loan funded by Russian assets, stressing it’s not only about financial support but also about “other” matters. Zelensky added he does not want the mechanism for financing Ukraine “to fall into Russia’s hands.”
The president also warned that without new EU funding, domestic drone production would be significantly reduced. Ukraine is also short of missiles for certain air defense systems, he said. In 2026, the country faces a budget shortfall of €45–50 billion, he added.
Moscow considers any attempts to dispose of Russian assets illegal and calls them “theft.” The Kremlin has said both states and specific officials would be held responsible for any confiscations.
Zelensky previously told reporters that Kyiv is not prepared to withdraw troops from the Donbas, prompting the US to seek a compromise on the issue.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that to resolve the situation, Ukrainian forces must leave not only the territories of the “DPR” and “LPR,” but also parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions that were incorporated into Russia after “referendums” in 2022.
