Key issues unresolved in US-Ukraine talks on ending Russia's war, according to Zelenskyy

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Several key issues remain unresolved in ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and the United States over a potential framework to end Russia’s war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week. Speaking about a 20-point plan under discussion, Zelenskyy outlined the most difficult points, noting that Ukraine has already conveyed its position to Washington, which is expected to communicate it to Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that the Kremlin had already been in contact with U.S. representatives since Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev recently met with U.S. envoys in Florida. However, he did not reveal any details, saying only: “It was agreed upon to continue the dialogue.”

The unresolved issues include:

Zelenskyy said talks continue over the nature and scope of security guarantees that would be provided to Ukraine under any agreement. He said several technical issues remain, including how guarantees would be enforced and what monitoring mechanisms would be used to ensure compliance.

Zelenskyy said the fate of the territories that Russia claims remain the most difficult issue in the talks. He did not provide details, but has repeatedly said Kyiv will not recognize Russian control over occupied regions, including areas seized since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy has also repeatedly stated Ukraine will not cede territories it currently controls, which Russia has publicly demanded.

Zelenskyy said the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains unresolved. The facility, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian control since early on in the war and has raised repeated international safety concerns due to fighting nearby.

Ukraine has been consistent in saying that safe operation of the station requires demilitarization of its territory, where Russia currently has troops stationed. Apart from that, Ukraine has been insisting that Ukrainian workers should be granted full access to the station, which they currently don’t have.

Details previously released in the course of the current negotiations revealed that the U.S. and Ukrainian teams are in discussion of a joint-access format, potentially between all three sides (the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia).

Zelenskyy said further discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. teams are expected, including talks in Florida, and that separate documents on economic recovery and prosperity are also under consideration.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, rescue workers put out a fire of a residential house destroyed by a Russian strike in Kyiv region, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, a residential house is seen damaged after a Russian strike in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, a rescue worker puts out a fire of a car destroyed a Russian strike in Chernihiv region, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

A paramedic evacuates an elderly resident after a Russian drone hit an apartment building during an aerial attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

SUNBURY ON THAMES, England (AP) — Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp was celebrating Friday after his horse The Jukebox Man raced to victory at the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.

Priced at 7-1, The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Ben Jones, was called a nose in front of second-place finisher Banbridge after a photo finish.

“That’s a dream and to have a horse that good is unbelievable. I love the game, to come here on King George day and just run made me so proud, but to have the winner is special," said Redknapp, a former FA Cup-winning manager. “What a race he has run and he jumped unbelievable."

The Jukebox Man was behind pacesetter Il Est Francais for much of the race and took the lead before the final bend.

Four horses had the chance win at the final fence, including last year's winner Banbridge, Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie.

“It really is the moment where you score the winning goal in the cup final with a minute to go," Pauling said. "It’s as tight as it gets and I had no idea how we got on. The cameras thought he won, but I didn’t want to believe it until I heard that tannoy. It’s something very special and Harry has been an exceptional owner for me and we’ve always had a huge amount of luck. I’ve always had huge faith in this horse and so has Harry as well."

Redknapp managed Premier League clubs including West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham during a long career. He won the FA Cup as manager of Portsmouth in 2008.

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Harry Redknapp, left, and Sandra Harris celebrate after their horse The Jukebox Man won the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase ridden by Jockey Ben Jones during day one of the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames, England, Friday Dec. 26, 2025. (John Walton/PA via AP)

The Jukebox Man ridden by Ben Jones, centre, on their way to winning the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase during day one of the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames, England, Friday Dec. 26, 2025. (John Walton/PA via AP)

Ben Jones, right, celebrates with Harry Redknapp after The Jukebox Man wins the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase during day one of the Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames, England, Friday Dec. 26, 2025. (John Walton/PA via AP)