In a significant development for Ukraine's diplomatic efforts, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that United States negotiators will join European leaders in Paris this Tuesday for talks aimed at forging post-war security guarantees for his nation.
Details of the Upcoming Paris Negotiations
Zelenskyy stated the discussions, which could last one to two days, will focus on security assurances and economic recovery for Ukraine. He added that there will be meetings with the team of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Furthermore, Ukraine hopes to arrange a leaders' level meeting in the United States by the end of January.
As of now, the White House has not publicly commented on American participation in the Paris talks or on the next steps to end Russia's nearly four-year-long invasion.
Kyiv Hosts Allied Security Advisers
Zelenskyy's announcement followed a meeting in Kyiv on Saturday, where national security advisers from Ukraine's top allies convened. More than a dozen NSAs from European nations, Canada, and representatives from the European Council, European Commission, and NATO participated.
The talks centered on a three-track global effort to conclude the war: establishing a basic peace framework, defining security guarantees, and planning for economic reconstruction. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, attended these discussions online.
Internal Shifts and a Massive Rebuilding Price Tag
Amid the diplomatic push, Zelenskyy continues to rotate key personnel. He confirmed plans to appoint former Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal as energy minister and first deputy prime minister. Other changes include naming former spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as chief of staff, with diplomat Sergiy Kyslytsya as his deputy, moves intended to strengthen Ukraine's negotiation track.
On the economic front, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko presented a staggering estimate at Saturday's talks. She stated that a 10-year recovery and sustainable growth plan for Ukraine would cost approximately $800 billion. She outlined plans to mobilize these funds through public capital, grants, loans, and private investment in infrastructure, energy, and industry.
Separately, lawmaker David Arakhamiya, head of Zelenskyy's parliamentary party, indicated that Kyiv could finish drafting a referendum on peace proposals by late February. He suggested such a vote should be held alongside a presidential election to ensure maximum turnout, but only after a ceasefire is established.
