The prospect of a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine is approaching, according to the U.S.’ outgoing envoy Keith Kellogg. He said negotiations now hinge on two key issues: the future of the Donbas region and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control.
The conflict began in February 2022 after years of fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk. It has caused immense human suffering and is the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Speaking at the Reagan National Defence Forum, Kellogg said talks are “in the last 10 metres,” the toughest part of peace efforts. He added, “If we get those two issues settled, I think the rest of the things will work out fairly well.” The combined casualties on both sides exceed two million, although both Russia and Ukraine dispute these figures.
Russia controls about 19% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, Luhansk, much of Donetsk, and parts of southern regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. A leaked U.S. peace proposal, criticised for conceding too much to Russia, has complicated talks. It reportedly includes Russian control over a fifth of Ukraine, limits on Ukraine’s military, and restrictions on NATO membership.
Regarding Zaporizhzhia, the plan suggests restarting its reactors under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision, with electricity shared evenly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a “long and substantive” call with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is expected to play a key role in drafting an agreement.
While difficulties remain, Kellogg’s comments indicate growing hope that a resolution may soon be within reach.