Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed details of a revised 20-point peace proposal jointly developed with United States negotiators aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. While the framework represents a significant diplomatic development, critical questions persist regarding territorial concessions and Moscow’s potential acceptance of the terms.
The revised document, currently under review by Russian officials, reportedly eliminates several previously contentious demands that Ukraine had strongly opposed. These include the immediate withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk region territories, formal recognition of Russian-occupied lands as sovereign Russian territory, and any constitutional amendment renouncing Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership.
President Zelensky acknowledged during an extensive two-hour briefing with journalists that the proposal contains elements he personally finds unsatisfactory. The plan establishes the current frontline positions in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions as the de facto line of contact. A specialized working group would subsequently determine necessary troop redeployments to facilitate conflict resolution and establish parameters for potential special economic zones in disputed territories.
The proposal notably creates pathways for previously resisted options, including Ukrainian troop withdrawals and the establishment of demilitarized zones in the approximately 20% of Donetsk region currently under Ukrainian control. This represents a significant compromise from Kyiv’s previous stance on territorial integrity.
Regarding international alliances, Zelensky emphasized that while Ukraine’s constitutional commitment to NATO membership remains unchanged, the decision ultimately rests with existing alliance members. The proposal also outlines joint US-Ukrainian-Russian management of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, though Zelensky expressed reservations about Russian oversight of the facility.
The Ukrainian leader confirmed that any agreement requiring territorial concessions would be subject to a national referendum. Additionally, presidential elections would only occur after a comprehensive peace agreement is formally signed, addressing demands from both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Trump.
Despite these diplomatic developments, the conflict continues with Russian forces maintaining offensive operations and conducting regular missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. The positions of both nations remain substantially divided, with Moscow historically insisting on extensive Ukrainian withdrawals and political concessions that Kyiv previously characterized as capitulation.