Ukraine and European allies discuss US-led 20-point peace plan in Kyiv

Ukraine and European allies continue to carry out talks on ending Russia's nearly four-year-old war, as Europe's national security advisers arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to discuss the US-led 20-point peace plan.

According to Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, representatives of Canada and NATO were also in attendance, along with those from European countries and bodies.

In a social media post on X, Zelenskyy said they made progress on three key elements: “security guarantees, reconstruction and a basic framework for a real rebuilding.”

“We are also getting ready for meetings in the United States," Zelenskyy added.

Earlier in the day, Umerov wrote on X: “An intensive working day lies ahead: security and economic issues, work on framework documents, and coordination of further steps with partners,” alongside pictures of him welcoming EU advisers.

Security guarantee plans with EU countries would include Ukrainian forces as the first line of defence, European-led troops deployed in Ukraine, and US security guarantees, according to Ukrainian negotiator Oleksandr Bevz.

An economic support package of about €682 billion for Ukraine over the next 10 years was agreed upon by international partners, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka said on Saturday.

The sum, based on calculations by the World Bank, the IMF and the EU, is meant to cover damage compensation, reconstruction, economic stability and a €170 billion growth “booster” linked to reforms required for Ukraine’s EU accession.

Ukrainian Economy Minister Oleksii Sobolev said part of the funding is expected to come from public grants and concessional loans; the details will be finalised over the next two weeks.

On Saturday, Zelenskyy offered Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal the position of energy minister and first deputy prime minister.

Zelenskyy on Friday appointed General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, as his new chief of staff. The president said Budanov's appointment was part of an effort to increase the focus on security, defence development and diplomacy.