Zelensky Proposes Peace Terms, Challenges Putin to Respond

Key Takeaways

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a new willingness to make concessions on key negotiating points with Moscow.
• A 20-point plan has been proposed, which includes security guarantees, a demilitarized zone, and a development package to support Ukraine’s postwar economic recovery.
• The plan also includes a compromise proposal for the operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the withdrawal of Russian troops from certain regions of Ukraine.
• A full ceasefire would take effect immediately once all parties agree to the deal, and a nationwide referendum in Ukraine would formalize the end of the war.
• The Trump administration’s peace effort, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, has been slowly inching forward in recent weeks.

Introduction to the Peace Process
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a new willingness to make concessions on several key negotiating points that have threatened to stall a nascent peace process with Moscow. In a wide-ranging meeting with reporters, Zelensky gave new details about a 20-point plan that he described as "a foundational document on ending the war, a political document between us, America, Europe, and the Russians." The plan represents a slimmed-down version of an original 28-point plan that the US previously discussed with the Russian side. Zelensky’s comments have effectively put the ball in Russia’s court, and he expects to receive a response from Moscow after the US side engages with the Kremlin.

The 20-Point Plan
The 20-point plan outlined by Zelensky includes several key points, including an affirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and a non-aggression agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The plan also includes security guarantees provided to Ukraine by the United States, NATO, and European states, which Zelensky said would "mirror Article 5" – NATO’s cornerstone principle of mutual self-defense. The guarantees would call for a military response and reinstatement of sanctions on Moscow if Russia invades Ukraine, but would be rescinded if Ukraine launches an attack on Russia or opens fire on Russian territory without provocation. Additionally, the plan includes a development package to support Ukraine’s postwar economic recovery, including the establishment of a Ukraine Development Fund to invest in technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence.

Security Guarantees and Demilitarized Zone
One of the key points of the plan is the establishment of a demilitarized zone around some of the present front lines. Zelensky said that if a free economic zone is established in the Donetsk region, Russia would have to engage in a withdrawal of its forces equivalent to ground ceded by Ukrainian troops. This would effectively establish a demilitarized zone, with heavy forces removed from the area. The zone would be established around cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, which are currently held by Ukrainian forces. Zelensky said that the distance of the demilitarized zone could be 5, 10, or 40 kilometers, and that the Russians would have to pull back their troops accordingly.

Referendum and Elections
Zelensky also spoke about a potential nationwide referendum in Ukraine that would formalize the end of the war. The referendum would allow people to choose whether the proposed peace agreement suits them or not. However, Zelensky noted that a referendum would require at least 60 days and a real ceasefire, otherwise, it would not be legitimate. He also said that people living in territories controlled by Russia cannot be expected to cast a fair vote. Ukraine has been under pressure to hold elections as soon as possible after an agreement is signed, but Zelensky’s presidential term expired in 2024, and elections cannot be held under martial law.

The Trump Administration’s Peace Effort
The Trump administration’s peace effort, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, has been slowly inching forward in recent weeks. A Ukrainian delegation led by Ukrainian National Security Secretary Rustem Umerov and Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev met separately with their American counterparts in talks that Witkoff described as "constructive and productive." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Dmitriev gave Putin a detailed briefing on the results of his trip to Miami, and that Moscow will formulate its next steps and continue contacts in the very near future through existing channels. However, Peskov declined to discuss specifics, saying that Moscow considered it "counterproductive" to discuss negotiations in the press.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the 20-point plan proposed by Zelensky represents a significant development in the peace process between Ukraine and Russia. The plan includes several key points, including security guarantees, a demilitarized zone, and a development package to support Ukraine’s postwar economic recovery. While there are still many challenges to overcome, the fact that Zelensky has signaled a new willingness to make concessions on key negotiating points is a positive step forward. The Trump administration’s peace effort has been slowly inching forward, and it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to the proposed plan. One thing is certain, however: the fate of Ukraine and the future of the region hang in the balance, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict is crucial for the stability and security of Europe.