The Times: Zelenskyy peace plan update shows how far apart the sides remain

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed details of an updated 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, offering Kyiv’s most far-reaching attempt yet to address disputes over territory, while leaving several of the most intractable obstacles to peace unresolved, recent analysis by The Times says.

Zelenskyy briefed journalists on December 23 on the proposal, which was agreed over the weekend by US and Ukrainian negotiators during talks in Florida. He said Ukraine was prepared to withdraw its troops from parts of the eastern Donetsk region that remain under Kyiv’s control to allow for the creation of a demilitarised zone or a free economic zone.

The proposal represents the latest revision of an earlier 28-point framework negotiated between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representatives, a document that was widely viewed as heavily aligned with the Kremlin’s demands. By contrast, the new plan marks Kyiv’s strongest effort so far to break the recurring deadlock over territory, a central issue that has repeatedly derailed peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy stressed, however, that any demilitarised zone would require reciprocal steps from Moscow. He said Russia would need to withdraw its forces from an equivalent area of Donetsk, a condition that appears at odds with the Kremlin’s longstanding position that it will only accept full control over the entire region.

Other key provisions in the plan include freezing the fighting along current front lines, holding elections in Ukraine, and lifting a previous ban on Ukraine’s membership in Nato that had featured in earlier drafts.

The document also proposes capping Ukraine’s armed forces at 800,000 personnel in peacetime, outlining a pathway toward European Union membership, granting access to the European market, and establishing a Ukraine Development Fund to support post-war reconstruction.

Despite these concessions, Zelenskyy cautioned that any final settlement would require public approval. He said a nationwide referendum would be necessary not only on the overall peace agreement but also specifically on the proposal to establish a free economic zone.

One of the most contentious unresolved issues remains the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Under the updated plan, the facility would be jointly operated by Ukraine, Russia and the US, with all three sharing its economic benefits. Ukrainian officials fear such an arrangement could legitimise Russia’s occupation of the site. Zelenskyy told reporters that Moscow believes it will ultimately assume control of the plant’s operations.

Negotiations are also continuing over a separate US proposal to receive compensation in exchange for providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Zelenskyy said this element has not yet been incorporated into the current draft.

Russia is expected to deliver its response to the proposal on Wednesday evening, according to Zelenskyy. Nevertheless, expectations of a swift breakthrough remain low. Diplomats have previously indicated that they do not expect the fighting to end by Christmas, and Moscow has already rejected calls for a yuletide ceasefire. Pope Leo said on Wednesday that this refusal was “among the things that cause me much sadness”.

The Kremlin has consistently dismissed peace proposals from Kyiv and European capitals as unrealistic and has shown little willingness to accept security guarantees that would formally commit the US and Europe to Ukraine’s defence.

The negotiations have been heavily mediated by Washington, and no direct talks between President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy are currently expected, The Times concludes.

By Tamilla Hasanova