Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to withdraw troops from the eastern industrial heartland if Russia reciprocates, establishing a demilitarized, economically free zone monitored by international forces. This proposal, aimed at resolving a key hurdle in ending the conflict, would be subject to a referendum. Zelenskyy also suggested a similar arrangement for the area surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control.
During a media briefing, Zelenskyy outlined a comprehensive 20-point plan crafted by negotiators from Ukraine and the U.S. in Florida. Details are still being fine-tuned. Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s initial peace plan, perceived as favoring Moscow, negotiations have evolved to align more closely with Kyiv’s stance, focusing on thorny issues like the fate of the Donbas region and the management of the nuclear facility.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia’s position will be based on feedback from Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev’s discussions with U.S. envoys. Details remain undisclosed. Russia has not signaled willingness to withdraw its troops from seized territories, demanding Ukraine relinquish remaining Donbas lands, a demand Kyiv rejects. The majority of Luhansk and a significant portion of Donetsk are under Russian control.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that the U.S. has yet to approve Ukraine’s counter-proposals but highlighted progress in aligning positions. The proposal includes a consortium involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., giving each an equal stake in the Zaporizhzhia plant. Key points of contention are the territories along the front line and the plant’s management.
The draft suggests freezing the contact line across five Ukrainian regions post-agreement signing. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a referendum to validate any move towards establishing a free economic zone, asserting Ukrainian citizens’ decision-making authority. The proposal entails a 60-day referendum process during which hostilities must cease.
Further discussions will address the extent of troop withdrawals as per Ukraine’s proposal and the placement of international forces. A provision suggests Russian forces vacate specific regions while international forces monitor compliance along the contact line. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of public choice in determining the agreement’s acceptability.
Regarding the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Ukraine proposes transforming the connected city of Enerhodar into a demilitarized economic zone. The U.S. suggests joint operation of the plant involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, with profit-sharing among the parties. Zelenskyy highlighted the substantial investments required for the plant’s restoration.
A separate annex in the document guarantees Ukraine security measures akin to NATO’s Article 5, obligating partners to act in the event of renewed Russian aggression. Zelenskyy mentioned an additional bilateral agreement with the U.S. outlining security guarantees and monitoring mechanisms. Utilizing satellite technology and early warning systems will ensure prompt responses.
The proposal includes expediting a free trade agreement with the U.S. post-agreement signing, granting Ukraine immediate access to the European market and a diverse economic development package. This package encompasses investments in technology, data centers, artificial intelligence, gas sectors, and war-torn territory reconstruction. The document mandates holding elections in Ukraine post-agreement ratification.