This proposal represents a potential compromise regarding control of the Donbas area, which has been a significant hurdle in peace negotiations.
Zelenskyy mentioned that the US suggested creating a “free economic zone,” which he stated should be demilitarised.
However, it remains uncertain what that would imply for the governance or development of the region.
He also suggested that a similar arrangement might be feasible for the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, presently under Russian control. He emphasized that any peace agreement would need to be confirmed through a referendum.
Zelenskyy addressed reporters on Tuesday about a comprehensive 20-point proposal that negotiators from Ukraine and the US developed in Florida recently, although he noted that many details are still under discussion.
Russia has shown no signs of agreeing to withdraw from the territories it has occupied. In fact, Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine concede the remaining lands it holds in the Donbas — an ultimatum that Ukraine has firmly rejected. Russia has taken control of most of Luhansk and approximately 70% of Donetsk — the two regions comprising the Donbas.
When asked about the plan, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that Moscow’s position would be determined based on information from Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met with US officials in Florida over the weekend. Peskov refrained from providing additional details.
American negotiators have engaged in various discussions with Ukraine and Russia separately since US President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to resolve the war last month — a proposal largely perceived as favoring Moscow, which invaded its neighbor nearly four years ago. Since then, Ukraine and its European allies have aimed to align the plan more closely with Kyiv’s stance.
Zelenskyy remarked that determining control over the Donbas region is “the most difficult point.” Concerning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the US has proposed establishing a consortium with Ukraine and Russia, with equal stakes for each party.
Zelenskyy countered with a suggestion for a joint venture between the US and Ukraine, allowing Americans to decide how to allocate their share, potentially including some for Russia.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that the US has yet to accept Ukraine’s counter-proposals.
“However, we have significantly reconciled most positions,” Zelenskyy stated. “Fundamentally, consensus has been reached on all other issues between us and them.” Establishing the demilitarised economic zone in the Donbas would necessitate challenging discussions regarding troop movements and the placement of international forces, he added, suggesting such matters should be addressed at the leaders’ level.
The working draft from the US-Ukraine discussions also advocates for the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. Zelenskyy envisions that international forces could be positioned at specific locations along the contact line to oversee the implementation of the agreement.
Managing the Zaporizhzhia power plant
Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine also proposes that the occupied city of Enerhodar, which is nearest to the Zaporizhzhia power plant, be designated as a demilitarised free economic zone. He noted that reaching this consensus took 15 hours of discussions with the US, but no agreement was finalized.
Currently, the US suggests that the plant be jointly operated by Ukraine, the US, and Russia, with each side managing a 33% stake in the operation — a plan Zelenskyy described as “not entirely realistic.” “How can you engage in joint commerce with the Russians after everything?” he questioned.
Instead, Ukraine proposed that the plant be managed by a joint venture with the US, granting the Americans independent authority on how to allocate energy from their 50% share.
Zelenskyy indicated that billions in investments are necessary to return the plant to operation, including repairs to the adjacent dam.
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More details on security guarantees
The working draft ensures that Ukraine will receive “strong” security guarantees that would obligate its partners to respond in the event of renewed Russian aggression. This structure mirrors NATO’s Article 5, which states that an armed attack on one alliance member is an attack on all.
Zelenskyy stated a separate document with the US will delineate these guarantees, specifying the conditions under which security will be provided, especially in the event of another Russian attack, and establishing a mechanism to oversee any ceasefire. This document will be signed alongside the primary agreement to conclude the war, Zelenskyy remarked.
“The sentiment from the United States is that this represents an unprecedented step toward Ukraine on their part. They believe they are offering robust security guarantees,” he indicated.
The draft includes additional elements, such as maintaining Ukraine’s military at 800,000 during peacetime and facilitating Ukraine’s accession to the European Union by a designated date. Capping the size of Ukraine’s military is a significant demand from Russia.
Elections and boosting the economy
The document further proposes expediting a free-trade agreement between Ukraine and the US. Zelenskyy referenced that the US seeks a similar arrangement with Russia.
Ukraine aims to achieve short-term preferential access to the European market and support through a substantial global development package that would involve creating a development fund to attract external investment in Ukraine’s industries.
Other considerations include financing for Ukraine’s reconstruction, with a target of raising $800 billion through equity, grants, loans, and contributions from the private sector.
The draft proposal also mandates that Ukraine conduct elections following the signing of the agreement. Zelenskyy’s five-year term is set to conclude in May 2024, but elections have been postponed due to Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine is also requesting the immediate release of all prisoners taken since 2014 and the return of civilian detainees, political prisoners, and children to Ukraine.
