KYIV — President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled a new 20-point peace proposal on Wednesday that includes the possibility of creating demilitarized “free economic zones” in the contested Donbas region. Speaking at a high-level briefing in Kyiv, Zelensky outlined a framework developed in coordination with U.S. negotiators that aims to freeze the front lines while addressing the intractable issue of territorial control.
The proposal marks a pivot in Ukraine’s negotiating stance. Under the draft, Ukrainian forces would be prepared to withdraw from portions of the Donetsk region they currently hold—roughly 20-25% of the province—provided that Russian forces execute an equivalent pullback. These evacuated areas would then be designated as demilitarized zones (DMZs) overseen by international monitoring forces.
“The Americans are looking for a format that could satisfy both sides,” Zelensky told reporters, referring to the “free economic zone” concept. He emphasized that such a zone must remain under Ukrainian administrative and police control to prevent Russian infiltration. However, he acknowledged that any final agreement involving territorial adjustments would be subject to a national referendum, noting, “Only the people of Ukraine can decide such a compromise.”
Beyond the DMZ in the east, the plan addresses the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. While the U.S. suggested a trilateral management structure between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, Zelensky countered with a proposal for a U.S.-Ukraine joint venture, insisting the plant and the nearby city of Enerhodar be fully demilitarized for global safety.
The 20-point document also includes:
- Security Guarantees: A bilateral pact with the U.S. and a trilateral agreement with Europe providing protections similar to NATO’s Article 5.
- Military Caps: A peacetime Ukrainian military limited to 800,000 personnel.
- Elections: A commitment to hold presidential elections shortly after a formal peace deal is signed.
While Zelensky noted “significant progress” with Washington, the Kremlin has remained cool to the proposal. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is “formulating its position,” while other Russian officials have insisted that any demilitarized zone must still be patrolled by Russian National Guard units—a condition Kyiv has already rejected as “capitulation.”
Sources
- Associated Press: Zelenskyy says he’s open to creating demilitarized zone
- Washington Post: Zelensky open to withdrawing troops in new peace draft
- CBS News: Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
- Kyiv Post: Zelensky Unveils Revised 20-Point Peace Plan
- Belga News Agency: Zelensky outlines revised US-backed peace plan
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