Ukraine has unveiled a comprehensive 20-point peace proposal, brokered in part by the United States, aimed at bringing an end to the protracted conflict with Russia. While Ukrainian and US delegations reportedly reached consensus on several critical issues during recent talks in Miami, President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that sensitive matters concerning territorial control in the country’s eastern industrial heartland and the management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remain unresolved.
Mr. Zelensky described the document as a “framework” and a “foundational political document” involving Ukraine, America, Europe, and Russia. He stressed the necessity of leader-level meetings with the United States to address the most contentious issues, particularly those pertaining to territorial questions, underscoring their complexity and strategic importance.
This latest proposal represents a significant refinement of an earlier 28-point plan, which had drawn criticism from both Ukraine and NATO leaders. The ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight an intensified push to find a pathway to de-escalation and a lasting resolution to the conflict that has devastated Ukraine and reshaped geopolitical dynamics.
Responding to queries about the plan, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow would formulate its official position upon receiving detailed information from Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who engaged with US envoys in Florida over the past weekend. This indicates a degree of Russian engagement, albeit cautious, in the ongoing discussions.
The initial points of the draft proposal, as shared by Mr. Zelensky’s office, reaffirm Ukraine’s sovereignty and envisage a full, unquestionable non-aggression agreement with Russia. To ensure long-term peace, a monitoring mechanism, potentially utilising space-based unmanned systems, would oversee the line of contact, provide early violation notifications, and facilitate conflict resolution. Ukraine also seeks robust security guarantees, mirroring NATO’s mutual-defence clause (Article 5), to be provided by the United States, NATO, and European countries.
Crucially, the plan stipulates that Ukraine would maintain its armed forces at their current strength of 800,000 personnel, a notable departure from an earlier US draft that had suggested a reduction. Russia would also be required to formalise a policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine through all necessary legal and ratification processes, including an overwhelming vote in the State Duma.
Economically, the proposal outlines Ukraine’s path to European Union membership by a specifically defined date, alongside short-term preferential access to the European market. It includes a substantial global development package, envisioned to mobilise $800 billion, to drive economic recovery, reconstruct damaged regions, and address humanitarian needs, all defined in a separate investment agreement. Ukraine also aims to accelerate a free-trade agreement with the United States, with Washington reportedly considering offering similar terms to Russia.
Two of the most complex and currently unresolved issues are the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and territorial arrangements. Regarding the ZNPP, Europe’s largest nuclear facility located near the front lines in Russian-controlled territory, no agreement has been reached. Kyiv proposes a 50-50 joint enterprise involving only the United States and Ukraine, with Ukraine receiving half the energy output. The US, however, has suggested a tripartite operation with equal stakes for Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, with American entities serving as chief managers.
The question of territory in the eastern Donetsk region remains the most contentious. Russia demands Ukraine withdraw troops from areas it still controls, while Kyiv insists on a halt to fighting at current battle lines. Washington has put forward a proposal for demilitarised zones and a free economic zone within the part of the Donetsk region currently under Kyiv’s control. Following any territorial agreement, both Russia and Ukraine would commit not to alter these arrangements by force.
Further provisions include Ukraine’s reaffirmation as a non-nuclear state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The plan also addresses freedom of navigation, ensuring Russia will not obstruct Ukraine’s commercial use of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea, with a separate maritime agreement and demilitarisation of the Kinburn Spit. Educational programmes promoting understanding and tolerance, alongside EU rules on religious tolerance and minority language protection, are also outlined.
The humanitarian aspects of the proposal envisage the establishment of a committee to oversee “all for all” prisoner exchanges, the return of all civilian detainees and children, and provisions for victims of the conflict. Post-agreement, Ukraine would hold elections as soon as possible. The entire agreement would be legally binding, monitored and guaranteed by a Peace Council chaired by a future President Trump, involving Ukraine, Europe, NATO, Russia, and the United States, with sanctions for any violations. A full ceasefire would take effect immediately upon all parties’ agreement.
The comprehensive nature of this 20-point plan underscores the vast array of issues that must be navigated, from immediate cessation of hostilities and security guarantees to long-term economic reconstruction and societal reconciliation. However, the deep-seated disagreements over territorial integrity and critical infrastructure highlight the formidable diplomatic challenges that lie ahead for all parties involved in securing a lasting peace.
