Demilitarised Zones, Security Guarantees And Donbas Reset: Zelenskyy’s New Ukraine Peace Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy laid out an updated 20-point peace proposal that he describes as the main framework for ending the war with Russia. The plan was finalised by US and Ukrainian envoys during talks in Florida and is now awaiting Moscow’s response.

The revised proposal comes as US President Donald Trump has pushed for a negotiated end to the nearly four-year-long war. Zelenskyy said Russia is expected to formally respond after consultations with Washington, signalling a potential diplomatic opening.

What Security Guarantees Does Ukraine Want?

The plan seeks binding security guarantees from the US, Nato and European allies, committing them to a coordinated military response if Russia attacks Ukraine again. Zelenskyy said the guarantees would

mirror Nato’s Article Five, even though Ukraine is not a Nato member.

What Does The Plan Propose For Eastern Ukraine And Donbas?

On the most contentious issue- territory- the proposal offers two possible paths in Donbas: either a demilitarised zone or a free economic zone. While Ukraine opposes a full troop withdrawal, US negotiators have proposed partial pullbacks. Zelenskyy said any area vacated by Ukrainian forces would remain under Ukrainian policing.

How Would Troop Withdrawals Work?

Zelenskyy said Ukraine could pull back heavy forces by five, 10 or even 40 kilometres in the 25% of Donetsk region it still controls but only if Russia withdraws by an equivalent distance.

“There are two options,” he said, adding, “Either the war continues, or something will have to be decided regarding all potential economic zones.”

Russian forces are currently about 40km east of Ukraine’s key defensive cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

What Happens To Territory Under The New Proposal?

Zelenskyy said decisions on territory would have to be taken “at the leaders’ level”. However, the plan: reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty, rejects Russian policing of any economic zone and allows Ukraine a peacetime military strength of up to 800,000 troops

The plan proposes international forces along the current contact line to prevent infiltration. Russia has already rejected a European-led “Coalition of the Willing” to police a settlement.

What About Nato And European Union?

Unlike earlier drafts, the plan does not bar Ukraine from joining Nato, a long-standing Russian demand. It also proposes Ukraine’s EU accession with a defined timeline, moving beyond its current candidate status.

The framework includes a proposed $200-billion investment fund involving the US and Europe to rebuild Ukraine. Discussions are still ongoing over whether the US would receive compensation in return for security guarantees.