The Status of the 20-Point Peace Plan for Ukraine
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss the updated draft peace proposal that Ukraine has described as its most significant attempt to bring an end to the conflict with Russia. After their discussions, Mr. Zelensky referred to it as a “great meeting,” while Mr. Trump expressed belief that Russia and Ukraine were “maybe very close” to reaching an agreement to conclude the war. However, aides to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, who had also engaged in conversation with Mr. Trump earlier on Sunday, were dismissive of several elements in the proposal, including the suggestion of deploying European peacekeepers to Ukraine. The 20 points outlined in the initiative — which Mr. Zelensky revealed following talks with the United States — encompass various issues, including security assurances that Ukraine seeks to ward off future Russian hostility and commitments to rebuild the war-torn country. Mr. Zelensky indicated on Friday that the draft was “90 percent ready,” while conceding that Ukraine and the United States had not yet come to a complete consensus on territorial matters that remain major hurdles. Here’s what we know about the 20 points.
What have Ukraine and the United States agreed on?Most of the points, Mr. Zelensky mentioned last week. The Ukrainian leader expressed particular satisfaction that Kyiv and Washington had largely aligned on security assurances to prevent another Russian invasion of Ukraine. These guarantees would encompass the maintenance of an active army of 800,000 troops supported by Western allies, in addition to Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. Mr. Zelensky aims for the peace agreement to specify a concrete timeline for Ukraine’s entry into the bloc, providing a solid assurance. However, it is still unclear if the E.U. would consent to specify such a timeline, considering the intricacies of its membership negotiations. The guarantees would also include a bilateral security pact with the United States, subject to congressional approval, alongside European military backing to bolster Ukraine’s defenses across air, land, and sea. Several European nations have indicated their readiness to send troops to Ukraine as part of this assistance plan, though Russia has expressed strong opposition to any such military presence. Ukraine and the United States have also agreed on several measures to prevent a resurgence of hostilities, like establishing a monitoring mechanism along the contact line. The draft agreement furthermore includes a commitment to free all prisoners of war and detainees, as well as to facilitate elections in Ukraine as soon as feasible after a peace agreement is finalized.
What are the sticking points?The status of Ukraine-controlled land in the eastern Donetsk region remains “the most intricate issue,” Mr. Zelensky remarked last week. A previous peace initiative put forth by Russia and the United States envisioned Ukrainian forces withdrawing from the Donetsk territories they presently occupy and designating them as a neutral demilitarized zone. Ukraine rejected this idea, arguing that it could not unilaterally surrender territory that Russia has not captured. The compromise Mr. Zelensky proposed builds upon the concept of creating a demilitarized zone in Donetsk, broadening it to include areas relinquished by Ukrainian forces and also regions controlled by Russia from which Moscow would withdraw its troops. A buffer zone patrolled by international forces would act as a separation between the two sides within the demilitarized zone. “The Americans are attempting to devise a means for this to be considered ‘not a withdrawal,’ as we are opposed to withdrawal,” Mr. Zelensky commented. “They are exploring a demilitarized zone or a ‘free economic zone,’ aiming for a structure that could appease both parties.” Another contentious issue revolves around a Russian-occupied nuclear power facility located in the southern Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. This is Europe’s largest nuclear plant, generating six gigawatts, and Kyiv asserts it is essential for its postwar rebuilding efforts. Mr. Zelensky conveyed that the United States had suggested a shared control of the plant and its profits among Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow. However, he stated that Kyiv could not agree to engage in energy transactions with Moscow. He proposed an alternative in which the plant would function as a joint enterprise between Kyiv and Washington, allowing the United States to manage its profits as it sees fit. This insinuated that Washington might independently negotiate arrangements with Moscow.
How could the United States profit?Several aspects of the proposal relate directly to America’s financial interests as part of a prospective postwar agreement. It foresees the establishment of a “Ukraine Development Fund aimed at investing in high-growth industries, including technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence.” U.S. and Ukrainian businesses would collaborate to facilitate reconstruction initiatives in sectors such as energy. The plan indicates that “multiple funds will be set up” to tackle Ukraine’s postwar recovery and redevelopment, with the overarching goal of securing up to $800 billion. It mentions that “a leading global financial leader” will be appointed “to organize the execution of the strategic recovery plan and to optimize opportunities for future wealth.” This most likely alludes to the American company BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management firm, which has recently been involved in the peace discussions.
What has Russia said?The Kremlin announced that Mr. Putin had been updated on the discussions. “We aim to develop our future position and resume our communications soon through the established channels currently at our disposal,” declared Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov last week. A representative from the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated on Thursday that there had been “slow but steady progress” in talks with the United States. However, no further specifics were provided. Russia is expected to reject the compromises put forth by Ukraine concerning territorial arrangements and oversight of the nuclear facility. The Kremlin has consistently asserted its intention for a complete military seizure of the eastern Donbas region — encompassing Donetsk — to be achieved through either military action or negotiation. It has also dismissed any concept of reverting the nuclear station back under Ukrainian oversight. Just hours before Mr. Zelensky’s arrival in Florida, Mr. Putin remarked that “intelligent individuals” in the West were now advising Ukraine to “accept dignified terms for concluding the conflict” and providing “solid foundational conditions” for Ukraine’s long-term safety and economic revitalization. As the Russian Army advances, Mr. Putin stated on Saturday evening, Moscow’s desire for negotiating Ukraine’s exit from the Donbas is diminishing. “If the Kyiv authorities are not inclined to resolve the issue peacefully,” he cautioned, Russia will fulfill its objectives “through military force.” On Sunday, prior to the meeting with Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Trump engaged in an over hour-long conversation with Mr. Putin, according to Yuri Ushakov, the top foreign policy advisor to the Russian leader. During their discussion, the advisor noted, they concurred that a long-term peace agreement was preferable to the short-term ceasefire promoted by Ukrainians and Europeans. Kyiv must make a “bold, responsible political choice” regarding the Donbas, Mr. Ushakov stated, adding, “Considering the circumstances on the front lines, Kyiv must not postpone making that decision.” Cassandra Vinograd and Ivan Nechepurenko contributed reporting.
Published: 2025-12-29 02:56:00
source: www.nytimes.com
