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Kyiv signaled a willingness to compromise on key sticking points in negotiations with Moscow, potentially opening a path toward ending the war in Ukraine, according to remarks made Tuesday. The shift effectively places the onus on Russia to respond.
zelensky Signals Flexibility in Peace Talks, Awaits Kremlin Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined a 20-point peace plan, indicating a willingness to cede ground in the Donetsk region in exchange for security guarantees and a demilitarized zone.
- zelensky detailed a plan involving a potential free economic zone and Russian troop withdrawal in exchange for Ukrainian concessions.
- The proposal includes security guarantees mirroring NATO’s Article 5, contingent on non-aggression.
- Ukraine is seeking a $800 billion development package for postwar reconstruction, with US investment in its energy sector.
- A nationwide referendum, contingent on a ceasefire, is proposed to legitimize any peace deal.
- Moscow is expected to respond Wednesday after engaging with US officials.
What security guarantees is Ukraine seeking? Ukraine wants guarantees from the United States,NATO,and European states that would mirror Article 5-NATO’s principle of collective defense-promising a military response and renewed sanctions against Russia if it invades.However, those guarantees would be voided if Ukraine initiated an attack on Russia.
In an unusually candid meeting with reporters Tuesday, Zelensky described the 20-point plan as “a foundational document on ending the war, a political document between us, America, Europe, and the Russians.” He discussed specifics of security guarantees between Ukraine, the United States, and European countries, which would be crucial to any peace agreement with Russia.
Zelensky said he anticipates a response from Moscow on Wednesday, following engagement between the US side and the Kremlin.The draft agreement is a streamlined version of an initial 28-point plan previously discussed between the US and Russia. zelensky outlined what Ukraine considers an acceptable compromise for withdrawing troops from portions of the Donetsk region currently not under Russian control.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukraine must effectively cede all of Donetsk for a peace plan to succeed. Zelensky indicated Russia would need to withdraw forces in proportion to any Ukrainian troop movements, establishing a demilitarized zone along present front lines.
“If we establish a free economic zone here, and it envisages a virtually demilitarized zone – meaning heavy forces are removed from this area – and the distance, for example, is 40 kilometers (it could be five, 10, or 40 kilometers) – then if these two cities, kramatorsk and Sloviansk, are our free economic zone, the Russians would have to pull back their troops accordingly by five, 10, or 40 kilometers,” Zelensky said.
Other key elements of the draft plan, as outlined by Zelensky, include:
- An affirmation
