Zelensky Unveils Updated 20‑Point Peace Plan Featuring Demilitarized Donbas Zone
Updated (2 articles)
Plan Structure and International Guarantees Zelensky presented a revised 20‑point framework that keeps the security‑guarantee architecture pledged by the United States, NATO and Europe, and sets Ukraine’s peacetime army at 800,000 troops[1]. The document outlines a defined EU accession timetable and proposes a $200 billion investment fund to rebuild the war‑torn economy[1]. While the plan retains the original sovereignty language, it omits any explicit ban on future NATO membership, reflecting a shift toward pragmatic diplomacy[1].
Donbas Options: Demilitarized or Economic Zone The plan offers two alternatives for the Donbas: a fully demilitarized corridor or a free economic zone where Ukrainian forces withdraw in staged distances of 5, 10 or 40 km[1]. In the economic‑zone scenario, Ukraine would police the area while international observers monitor the contact line to deter Russian infiltration[1]. Zelensky emphasized that the choice would be put to a public vote, signaling a willingness to let Ukrainians decide on territorial compromises[2].
Territorial Withdrawals and Zaporizhzhia Stance Russia would be required to evacuate its forces from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv before the zones become operational[1]. Kyiv rejects any joint Russian‑Ukrainian policing of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, insisting the facility remain under Ukrainian administration[1]. Negotiators have not yet reached consensus with the United States on who should control the plant, highlighting a persistent gap in the talks[2].
Battlefield Reality and Negotiation Context Russian troops have advanced to within 40 km of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, and have captured the town of Siversk, underscoring the ongoing military pressure as peace talks proceed[1]. Ukrainian delegations met U.S. officials in Florida, where a Trump‑appointed envoy described the discussions as “productive and constructive”[2]. Zelensky warned that Moscow has not signaled willingness to accept the demilitarized‑zone proposal, and a Russian response is expected later this week[2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
BBC: Zelensky unveils updated 20‑point peace plan proposing demilitarised Donbas zone and economic options – Details the full 20‑point framework, security guarantees, withdrawal zones, Zaporizhzhia stance, EU accession timeline, and current Russian advances.
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[2]
Newsweek: Zelensky signals concession to end Ukraine war with demilitarized zone proposal – Highlights Zelensky’s public‑vote approach, gaps with the U.S. on Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, Florida talks, and Russia’s annexation claims.
Timeline
Tue Dec 22, 2025 – Zelensky tells reporters that Ukraine could accept a “free economic zone in demilitarized areas of eastern Ukraine” if Russia pulls out of parts of the east, and says the proposal will be put to a public vote as part of the negotiating process. He frames the idea as a potential shift toward a territorial compromise to end the war [2].
Thu Dec 24, 2025 – In Florida, Zelensky unveils an updated 20‑point peace plan that replaces the earlier 28‑point framework. The plan preserves U.S., NATO and European security guarantees, sets Ukraine’s peacetime army at 800,000, and leaves territorial questions for leaders‑level talks. He notes, “Russia would respond on Wednesday after American officials spoke to Moscow.” [1]
Thu Dec 24, 2025 – The plan outlines two pathways for Donbas: a demilitarized zone or a free economic zone. Ukraine would withdraw heavy forces in stages of 5 km, 10 km or 40 km, while Russia would reciprocate, and international forces would monitor the contact line to prevent infiltration. [1]
Thu Dec 24, 2025 – The framework creates an economic zone around Donbas that includes the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under Ukrainian administration; Russia must withdraw from four Ukrainian regions (Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv). It also sets a defined EU accession date, proposes a $200 billion Ukraine investment fund, and calls for elections soon after the deal’s signing. [1]
Thu Dec 24, 2025 – On the battlefield, Russian forces advance to within about 40 km of the fortress‑belt cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, and have captured the town of Siversk, illustrating the immediate military reality that any peace deal must address. [1]
Thu Dec 24, 2025 – Zelensky says most of Kyiv’s positions are aligned with the United States, but gaps remain on Donetsk control and the Zaporizhzhia plant, underscoring persistent negotiation hurdles. He remarks, “Most positions have been aligned with the United States, yet consensus on key issues—particularly Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia—remains elusive.” [2]
Thu Dec 24, 2025 – A Ukrainian delegation meets U.S. interlocutors in Florida; a Trump‑appointed envoy describes the talks as “productive and constructive,” and Zelensky affirms that the United States wants a final agreement and that Ukraine will cooperate fully. This signals continued high‑level diplomatic engagement despite unresolved issues. [2]