Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday introduced a revised peace proposal designed to bring an end to the ongoing war with Russia, presenting a streamlined 20-point framework that includes security measures and economic provisions while rejecting territorial concessions.
The new initiative replaces a broader 28-point plan previously associated with discussions involving the Trump administration and reflects Kyiv’s latest attempt to restart stalled negotiations amid continued fighting.
Plan Proposes Security Belt in Eastern Ukraine
A central element of Zelensky’s proposal is the creation of a fortified security corridor across parts of eastern Ukraine. The plan envisions a “fortress belt” made up of key cities in the Donetsk region, intended to serve as a defensive buffer against future military advances.
Russia has repeatedly demanded full control of the Donetsk region during peace talks, with President Vladimir Putin maintaining that territorial concessions are necessary to end the conflict. Ukraine, however, continues to reject any agreement that involves ceding sovereign land.
Demilitarized Zone Offered Instead of Territorial Concessions
Rather than giving up territory, the Ukrainian government is proposing the establishment of a demilitarized zone along current front lines. Under the plan, both Ukrainian and Russian forces would withdraw from specified areas, creating a buffer zone monitored under agreed conditions.
Zelensky told reporters that withdrawal distances could vary, potentially ranging from several kilometers to several dozen, depending on negotiations. Cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk could become part of a special economic zone, requiring Russian troops to pull back accordingly, according to CNN.
Any Final Deal Would Go to a National Referendum
Zelensky stressed that no peace agreement would move forward without public approval. He said Ukrainians would be asked to vote in a nationwide referendum to determine whether the terms are acceptable.
According to the president, the referendum process would require at least 60 days and could only be held during a genuine ceasefire. Without a sustained pause in fighting, he warned, the vote would not meet legitimacy standards.
Continued Fighting Undermines Ceasefire Efforts
U.S. and European leaders have continued urging Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, but Russian military activity has persisted. In recent days, drone strikes have targeted Kyiv and other locations, highlighting the challenges facing diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky cited Russia’s history of broken agreements as a reason for proposing international oversight in any buffer zone. He said international forces could help ensure that no armed groups enter the area under false pretenses, according to NBC News.
Russian Troop Withdrawals and Reconstruction Plans Included
The draft proposal also calls for Russian forces to withdraw from several regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
On the economic front, Zelensky’s plan includes the formation of a peace council chaired by President Donald Trump, as well as the creation of a Ukraine Development Fund to support national rebuilding efforts. Ukrainian officials estimate war-related damage and losses at approximately $800 billion.
Focus on Energy, Technology, and Nuclear Power Plant
Zelensky has urged greater U.S. involvement in rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following repeated attacks on the power grid. He has also promoted investment in natural gas production, data centers, and technology development.
Another major component of the proposal concerns the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Under the plan, Ukraine would receive 50 percent of the plant’s electricity output, while the remaining share would be managed by the United States, which would oversee asset distribution, CNN reported.
Zelensky rejected an earlier proposal that would have divided the plant’s output equally among Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., saying such an arrangement was unrealistic given the state of the conflict.
Security Guarantees and Sanctions Mechanism Sought
Beyond economic recovery, the proposal calls for strong security guarantees from the United States, NATO, and European partners. Zelensky said these assurances should mirror NATO’s Article 5 principle and include automatic sanctions if Russia were to launch another invasion.
The plan also includes provisions stating that the agreement would become void if Ukraine were to carry out an unprovoked attack on Moscow, according to CNN.
Kremlin Responds as Diplomatic Contacts Continue
On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had received a detailed briefing on recent discussions held in Miami involving Jared Kushner and other intermediaries.
Based on that information, Peskov said Moscow would determine its next steps and continue diplomatic engagement through established channels in the near future.
Why This Matters
Zelensky’s latest proposal highlights Ukraine’s effort to balance security, economic recovery, and public consent while seeking international support. Whether the plan gains traction will depend largely on ceasefire prospects and Russia’s willingness to compromise.
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