Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined a revised peace proposal that could allow for a limited withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from parts of the eastern front—one of Russia’s long-standing demands—while securing firm Western-backed security guarantees for Kyiv.
The updated 20-point plan was finalized during talks between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators in Florida over the weekend. Zelensky said Russia would respond after Washington formally presents the framework to Moscow.
Describing the document as “the main framework for ending the war,” Zelensky said the plan prioritizes binding security assurances from the United States, NATO, and European partners. These guarantees would trigger a coordinated military response if Russia launches another invasion.
According to Zelensky, the framework would also preserve Ukraine’s right to maintain a standing military force of up to 800,000 personnel, a key safeguard against future aggression.
Territorial questions, particularly the status of eastern Ukraine, remain unresolved and would ultimately require negotiations at the leadership level, Zelensky said.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw troops from nearly a quarter of the Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control, with the remainder already occupied by Russian forces. Ukraine has rejected a full withdrawal, prompting negotiators to explore alternative arrangements.
“There are two options,” Zelensky told journalists. “Either the war continues, or something will have to be decided regarding all potential economic zones.”
As a compromise, the revised plan introduces the idea of establishing a demilitarized zone or a “free economic zone” in contested parts of the Donbas. Zelensky said U.S. negotiators were examining these options as a way to reduce tensions without conceding sovereignty.
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He added that any economic zone would also need to include the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian occupation, citing the facility’s strategic and safety importance.
Under the proposed framework, Zelensky said Russian troops would be required to withdraw from four Ukrainian regions currently under pressure but not formally annexed by Moscow: Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
The plan is viewed as a revision of an earlier 28-point document negotiated weeks ago by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian officials. That earlier draft was widely criticized for favoring Kremlin demands, prompting Kyiv to seek stronger guarantees and clearer red lines.