Zelensky reveals details of the peace plan: these are the key points

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, chose Wednesday, December 24, to reveal some details of a peace plan developed jointly with the United States, aimed at ending a war that has now lasted nearly four years. The plan includes 20 different points and has already been sent to Russia.

“I am prepared to discuss the draft, a foundational document on ending the war, a political framework among us, the United States, Europe, and the Russians,” the Ukrainian leader said. Although there are still issues that “must yet be resolved,” Zelensky signaled openness to withdrawing troops from the Donbas region, as long as the Kremlin does the same there.

Details of the 20-point peace plan to end the war

The text, however, is not final. Zelensky himself has stated that its contents may change during negotiations, but there is one point on which he is firm. “Ukraine’s sovereignty must be reaffirmed. To support long-term peace, a mechanism will be established to monitor the line of contact using unmanned systems, ensuring early warning of potential ceasefire violations.”

In his remarks, the Ukrainian president confirmed that his country would receive “strong security guarantees.” Likewise, if the main outlines of this document move forward and are not rejected by Moscow, Ukraine “will become a member of the European Union at some point and will receive short-term privileged access to the European market.”

Withdrawal from the Donbas

Regarding the Donbas, Zelensky presented two options. The first is to “stand firm” in the provinces of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, establishing a “de facto recognized line of contact.” This line would be monitored by international forces.

The second option, which he is now considering after repeatedly rejecting it in the past, involves withdrawing troops from the Donbas, on the condition that Russia does the same. “It envisions the creation of a possible free trade zone in the Donbas, which would involve its demilitarization,” he explained.

“Ukraine opposes the withdrawal of its troops, but if this were to occur, it would advocate for an exactly equal withdrawal of Russian forces from the areas they control. This option would require a national referendum in Ukraine to ratify the agreement.” According to Zelensky, this issue could ultimately be resolved “at the highest level.”

The document also emphasizes that Russia would not be able to block Ukraine’s access to the Dnipro River or the Black Sea for commercial purposes. To that end, a separate maritime agreement and an access agreement would be signed to regulate freedom of navigation and shipping. “As part of this agreement, the Kinburn Spit will be demilitarized.” Finally, Ukraine will commit to holding elections as soon as possible after the agreement is signed.

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