Proposal provides for a pact with Russia based on security guarantees and economic boost for Ukrainians. Territorial cessions and control over nuclear plants remain open.
President Volodimir Zelenski revealed this Wednesday (24/12) details of the peace plan supported by the United States to end the war in Ukraine. In 20 points, the new proposal, which reflects Ukrainian desires, envisages a non-aggression pact with Russia based on security guarantees and an economic boost for Ukraine.
The version presented by Zelenski was, according to him, sent to Russia after negotiation between the Ukrainian and American governments. The president speculated in front of journalists that there could be progress in talks with the Kremlin on Thursday.
Weeks of talks to modify a previous version, with 28 points that supported several of Russia’s demands, resulted in a rapprochement with Ukraine’s positions, he further said.
The text could become the basis for future agreements to end the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The document would also be complemented by bilateral agreements between the US and Ukraine, focusing on security and reconstruction.
Under the plan, Ukraine would have an Army with 800,000 members and would receive a commitment from allies to provide support for its defense. The withdrawal of Russian troops at four points is a condition for the agreement to enter into force.
“If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a coordinated military response, all global sanctions against Russia will be reinstated,” said Zelenski while reading the points of the agreement to journalists. The text was not released in writing.
Open sensitive points
Two major points remain open: possible territorial cessions by Ukraine and the Zaporizhia nuclear plant, in the south of the country, occupied by Russia since 2022.
Zelensky says he is willing to reach an agreement on Donbass, made up of the regions of Lugansk and Donetsk. Russia maintains maximalist demands, insisting that Ukraine cede territory that has not yet been captured.
Russian forces conquered most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk. The Ukrainian government says it prefers a front-line freeze to the alternative on the table, which would involve the creation of one or more economic zones.
To negotiate the second option, Kiev wants more security guarantees. “If this decision is made, a separate agreement will be signed between Ukraine, the US and Russia that will determine the status of the special economic zone and the steps that the two parties to the conflict will take in an equivalent manner to withdraw their forces,” the president said.
The special economic zone would be administered by Ukraine, even with a military demobilization, and international forces would need to be present to prevent Russian forces from entering, Zelensky continued. An eventual withdrawal of Ukrainian troops would require legitimization by referendum.
The current version also provides that the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant will be operated jointly by Ukraine, the United States and Russia. Zelensky expressed reservations on this point, calling the proposal “inadequate” and “not entirely realistic.”
External help
On the other hand, the 20 points do not refer to Ukrainian ambitions to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Part of the members resist joining, while Zelenski states that renouncing this aspiration is out of the question. An earlier version of the peace plan required Ukraine to legally commit not to join NATO.
The text recited by Zelenski foresees that Ukraine will become a member of the European Union (EU) within a precisely defined period of time and will benefit, in the short term, from preferential access to the European market.
A robust global development program for Ukraine would be drawn up. This would involve the creation of a development fund, collaboration between the US and US companies, and a special financing line from the World Bank.
If the plan is accepted by Russia, it must be submitted to a referendum in Ukraine, go through Parliament and be implemented at the same time as new presidential elections, which must be preceded by a 60-day ceasefire. There is no guarantee that Moscow will agree to the plan.
Asked about the plan, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would define its position based on information received by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met with US representatives in Florida over the weekend.
He declined to share further details, saying the Kremlin considers it “highly inappropriate to conduct any type of communication through the media.”
Originally published by DW on 12/24/2025
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/12/24/o-que-se-sabe-do-novo-plano-para-por-fim-a-guerra-na-ucrania/
