Zelensky Reports Progress in US-Brokered Peace Talks with Russia, Details New 20-Point Plan
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A potential pathway toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war emerged Thursday, as ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism following discussions with US envoys, while together revealing details of an updated peace proposal. The talks, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, yielded “new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and… timing on how to bring a real peace closer,†according to Zelensky, who anticipates a further meeting with former President Donald Trump in the near future.
Updated Peace Plan Focuses on Security Guarantees and Economic zones
Earlier this week, Zelensky outlined a revised 20-point peace plan, developed in collaboration with US representatives in Florida. This plan builds upon an initial draft prepared by witkoff weeks prior, which was initially criticized for leaning heavily toward Russia’s pre-invasion demands. The updated proposal now includes robust security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European nations, promising a coordinated military response shoudl Russia re-invade Ukraine.
The plan reportedly offers Russia the potential withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from eastern regions, coupled with the establishment of a demilitarized zone in their place. Addressing the contested Donetsk region, Zelensky suggested a “free economic zone†as a possible solution, emphasizing that any territory relinquished by Ukrainian forces would remain under Ukrainian policing. Currently, Moscow controls approximately 75% of donetsk and 99% of the neighboring Luhansk region, collectively known as Donbas.
Kremlin Reviews US proposals Amidst Ongoing Conflict
While diplomatic efforts gain momentum, the Kremlin indicated it is analyzing the proposals brought back from the US by russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. “We are examining this material, and depending on the decisions made by the head of state, we will continue our interaction with the Americans,†a Kremlin spokesperson stated Thursday.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, fighting continues on the ground. The Ukrainian military reported striking a key Russian oil refinery in the Rostov region with cruise missiles, targeting a facility critical for fueling Russian operations in occupied eastern Ukraine. Simultaneously, the russian defense ministry announced the capture of the settlement of Sviato-Pokrovske in the Donetsk region, following the Ukrainian military’s withdrawal from the town of Siversk earlier in the week. This latest advance brings Russian forces closer to the strategically important cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Trump’s Influence and Zelensky’s Firm Stance
The involvement of Trump and his envoys underscores the significant role Washington is playing in mediating a potential resolution. Zelensky has reportedly faced considerable pressure from Trump to cede control of Donbas to Russia, a demand he has consistently rejected. Rather, the Ukrainian leader has prioritized securing iron-clad security guarantees for Ukraine as a cornerstone of any future settlement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly insisted that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from Donbas to prevent further Russian advances.
Zelensky described Thursday as an “active day†for Ukrainian diplomacy, acknowledging that “work to be done on sensitive issues†remains. Though, he expressed confidence that, “together with the American team, we understand how to put all of this in place,†with Ukraine’s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, set to continue discussions with US representatives. The evolving peace plan represents a delicate balancing act, attempting to address Russia’s concerns while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a challenge that will likely define the coming weeks and months.
