Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed the details of a 20-point peace plan for the first time.
Speaking at a meeting with journalists, as reported by RБК-Ukraine and Hvylya, Zelensky noted that negotiations on a peace agreement involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia have been ongoing for two months. Beyond the twenty core provisions, the draft includes additional sections on specific issues and references to other potential documents.
Specifically, the framework includes:
-
A trilateral security guarantees document (Ukraine, U.S., and Europe).
-
A bilateral security guarantees document from the U.S. to Ukraine.
-
A "Roadmap for Ukraine's Prosperity"—a document developed with the U.S. focused on recovery and economic development through 2040.
The 20 Points of Ukraine's Peace Plan
-
Confirmation of Ukraine's sovereignty.
-
Non-aggression pact: An unconditional agreement between Russia and Ukraine, including a monitoring mechanism on the line of contact.
-
Security guarantees: Ukraine is to receive robust security assurances.
-
Military strength: The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) will maintain a peacetime strength of 800,000 personnel.
-
Article 5-style guarantees: The U.S., NATO, and Europe will provide security guarantees similar to Article 5. A Russian invasion would trigger a military response and the reinstatement of sanctions. Conversely, if Ukraine attacks Russia or launches unprovoked strikes on Russian territory, these guarantees will be revoked. Security guarantees are activated by Russian shelling of Ukraine. While a clause regarding compensation to the U.S. for these guarantees was initially included, it has since been removed. Bilateral guarantees within this framework remain an option, and coalition members may join voluntarily.
-
Russian legal commitments: Russia will codify its non-aggression policy toward Europe and Ukraine into all necessary laws.
-
EU Membership: Ukraine will join the EU by a specific date and receive short-term privileged market access. EU membership is viewed as a core component of security guarantees.
-
Global development package: A robust investment agreement including a development fund, gas infrastructure development, territorial reconstruction, and mining of natural resources.
-
Recovery funds: Several funds will be established to handle reconstruction, with a target of attracting $800 billion.
-
Free Trade with the U.S.: Following the agreement, Ukraine will accelerate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. Washington's current position involves pursuing FTAs with both Ukraine and Russia.
-
Non-nuclear status for Ukraine.
-
Zaporizhzhia NPP (ZNPP): According to Zelensky, no compromise has been reached yet. The U.S. proposes a joint management structure involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, where each party receives 33% of the dividends and the U.S. acts as the lead manager.
"The Russians believe they will still operate the ZNPP themselves. They will link the plant's operation to humanitarian aspects, suggesting they will restore the dam or restore electricity. Because of this, our partners are calling for a joint management mechanism," the Ukrainian leader explained.
"Under this proposal, 50% of the electricity produced goes to Ukraine, while the U.S. independently determines the distribution of the remaining 50%," Zelensky clarified.
He also added that the ZNPP site, along with Enerhodar and the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, must be demilitarized.
"There have been about 15 hours of discussion regarding the station. These are all very complex matters," the President said.
Ukraine and Russia pledge to implement educational programs in schools and throughout society to foster understanding and tolerance for different cultures, eliminating racism and prejudice. Ukraine will adopt EU regulations on religious tolerance and the protection of minority languages.
Territorial Issues
This remains the most contentious part of the negotiations. The proposal suggests that in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, the current troop positions at the time of signing will effectively be recognized as the line of demarcation. For the agreement to take effect, Russia must withdraw its forces from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.
Ukraine's Position: According to Zelensky, Russia is demanding a total Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk region, while the United States has proposed a compromise—the creation of a Free Economic Zone. If an agreement to freeze current positions cannot be reached, the Free Economic Zone proposal could only be accepted via a referendum. Zelensky emphasized that while the U.S. is pushing for a referendum, he believes the entire document should be put to a vote, rather than a single issue. A referendum would require at least 60 days to organize, during which a genuine ceasefire must be in place.
-
Once future territorial arrangements are agreed upon, both Russia and Ukraine pledge not to alter them by force.
-
Russia will not obstruct Ukraine’s commercial use of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea. A separate maritime and access agreement will be concluded to ensure freedom of navigation and transport. Under this agreement, the Kinburn Spit will be demilitarized.
-
A humanitarian committee will be established to resolve outstanding issues, including an "all-for-all" prisoner exchange, the return of civilian hostages (including children and political prisoners), and addressing the suffering of conflict victims.
-
Ukraine is to hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement is signed.
-
The agreement will be legally binding. Implementation will be monitored and guaranteed by a Peace Council chaired by Donald Trump, with sanctions mandated for any violations.
-
A comprehensive ceasefire will take effect immediately once all parties agree to the document.
Ukraine plans to submit the agreement to Parliament for ratification and/or a national referendum. Elections may be held concurrently with the referendum.
The agreement will enter into force after both parties fulfill their obligations. Security guarantees will only become valid following full parliamentary ratification or approval via referendum.