Ukraine is continuing its daily work with US partners, dismissing Russian media claims that negotiations have collapsed.
President Volodymyr Zelensky made the statement while speaking to journalists on December 30.
"Despite all the media accusations from the Russians regarding a breakdown in our negotiations with the Americans, we are working daily. Today, our group—Umerov and the Americans, including Steve Witkoff—has already held several calls. We are discussing our next steps," the President reported.
Zelensky confirmed that the "Coalition of the Willing" is set to meet in Ukraine on January 3 to finalize documents and proposals. Coalition leaders are then scheduled to meet in France on January 6.
The President emphasized that the monitoring mission must become operational simultaneously with a ceasefire. "The monitoring mission will be led by our partners whom we trust and who have the technical capacity to execute this—they have satellite capabilities and the necessary drone infrastructure," he explained. Ukraine also expects security guarantees to include a specific response algorithm for partners in the event of Russian violations.
Regarding the possible deployment of American troops in Ukraine, Zelensky noted: "These are US troops, and therefore it is America that makes such decisions. Undoubtedly, we are discussing this with both President Trump and representatives of the 'Coalition of the Willing.' We would welcome this. It would represent a strong position within the security guarantees."
Support for the Ukrainian army remains the top priority in the security guarantees. According to the President, this involves a force of 800,000 personnel requiring full provision. The main treaty outlines 20 points and four signatories: Ukraine, the US, the Russian Federation, and Europe. Separate bilateral security agreements are also being discussed with partners joining the "Coalition of the Willing" format.
Zelensky also refuted reports of strikes on Putin's residence, dismissing them as fake. He stated that the Ukrainian negotiating team had informed the US delegation about this disinformation. "They discussed the details, and we understand that this is a fake. Undoubtedly, our partners can verify this through their technical capabilities," he added. The President linked the emergence of such claims to the successful negotiations between the Ukrainian and US delegations.
Furthermore, Zelensky stated that the Russians do not want a referendum in Ukraine, as holding one requires a ceasefire, to which Moscow does not agree.
The Head of State added that it would be preferable for President Trump to fly directly to Ukraine rather than stopping in Poland. He also recounted that during negotiations in Florida, the parties barely discussed the issue of elections, as Zelensky had already expressed his readiness for them.