The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly presented for the first time the 20 points of a peace plan initiated by the USA. Accordingly, they have the Ukraine and the USA agreed on steps to end the Russian war of aggression on several key issues.
The draft provides, among other things, security guarantees for the Ukraine based on the model of Article 5 of NATO – the mutual assistance clause – and a strength of the Ukrainian army of around 800,000 soldiers. According to Ukrainian media, Zelensky said this to journalists in Kyiv. The President himself spoke of a draft framework document.
However, the question of possible cessions of territory remains unresolved Russia as a prerequisite for a ceasefire. This particularly affects parts of the Donetsk region that are still under Ukrainian control. The future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently occupied by Russia, also still needs to be clarified, Zelensky said.
Accordingly, the paper contains not only Ukrainian but also Russian and US positions. Zelenskyj said that there was a rapprochement on many points, and in some cases even a consensus. Over the weekend, both Russian and Ukrainian representatives discussed the peace plan in separate talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and described the meetings as constructive.
Cession of territory is the “most difficult point”
At the center of the negotiations There is currently no discussion about a possible end to the war Dispute over territorial claims in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, collectively known as Donbass. This is the “most difficult point,” said Zelensky. Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede those parts of the Donetsk region that are not yet occupied by Russian troops. Ukraine rejects this. Russia currently controls most of the Luhansk region and around 70 percent of Donetsk. The USA had proposed turning Donetsk and Luhansk into free economic zones.
The 20-point plan provides for different options for territorial division. Russia should first withdraw its troops from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. For the contested regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the draft provides for two variants: either the existing front line will be frozen or the Donbass will be transferred to a special free trade zone after a referendum.
Ukraine insists that in any case the population will decide on possible territorial changes in a referendum. Ukraine is also calling for the demilitarization of the affected areas and the stationing of an international force to ensure stability and security. After confirming the territorial agreements, Russia and Ukraine should undertake to refrain from any violent changes to the status quo.
There is also disagreement about the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. It is the largest in Europe and is currently under Russian occupation. The US proposed operating the plant jointly with Ukraine and Russia, with all parties involved sharing in the profits. “That doesn’t sound very beneficial for Ukraine and not very realistic,” said Zelensky. Instead, the Ukrainian government brought up a joint venture between the USA and Ukraine. The USA could freely dispose of its 50 percent share. Zelensky emphasized that billions of euros in investments would be necessary to continue operating the power plant. “There were around 15 hours of discussions about the facility. These are very complex questions,” he said.
Russia has not yet commented specifically
Zelenskyj is now aiming for a meeting with the US President Donald Trump to clarify these sensitive points for a possible future agreement. Trump had repeatedly spoken about wanting to end the war in Ukraine, but so far had not achieved any decisive concessions from the parties to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Russian government is working on its position on recent US proposals to end the fighting. President Vladimir Putin has now been informed by his envoy Kirill Dmitriev about his trip to the USA. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov then announced that Moscow now wanted to formulate a statement. He did not comment on possible content.
Zelensky expects an answer from Moscow on December 24th. “Then we will be able to better assess our next steps and the possible time frame for further decisions,” he said.
20-point plan on security guarantees, reconstruction and territorial issues
One thing is certain: If there is an agreement on the 20-point plan, Ukraine’s sovereignty would be expressly confirmed. The draft also provides for a mutual non-aggression agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow would have to make a legally binding commitment to a permanent renunciation of violence against Ukraine and Europe. In addition to the comprehensive security guarantees for Ukraine and passages about the strength of the Ukrainian armed forces, the draft also clearly commits to Ukraine’s European perspective and mentions possible EU accession. At the same time, Ukraine would have to confirm its status as a neutral state without nuclear weapons.
To support the country’s reconstruction, a comprehensive investment and development package is planned, which also includes close cooperation with US companies. An economic reconstruction fund is also planned with the aim of attracting investments worth up to $800 billion. At the same time, Ukraine should accelerate the process for a free trade agreement with the USA. The plan also includes measures for social rapprochement. Ukraine and Russia should promote educational programs aimed at mutual understanding and tolerance. Ukraine is also committed to EU standards on religious tolerance and the protection of the languages of national minorities.
Russia should undertake not to hinder Ukraine’s use of the Dnipro River or the Black Sea. There are also plans to set up a humanitarian committee that will, among other things, organize the exchange of all prisoners of war and the return of imprisoned civilians – including children and political prisoners. After signing the agreement, Ukraine should hold elections as quickly as possible, first for the presidency, then for parliament and at the local level.
The peace agreement would be legally binding and overseen by a peace council led by US President Donald Trump. The committee would include representatives from Ukraine, the EU, NATO, the USA and Russia. Once all parties agreed, a full ceasefire would come into effect.
