Presenting the draft peace agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered the possibility of withdrawing troops from the Donbass region on the condition that Russia agrees to do the same, opening the way for partial demilitarization in the east of the country. According to Europa Press, this step would be part of the political framework of the plan developed jointly with the US and already sent to Moscow, which aims to end the war after almost four years of armed conflict.
During a press conference, Zelensky described the document as a twenty-point basic agreement that reflects the common position between Kiev and Washington. The President emphasized the importance of US support and noted that the text contained aspects still under discussion. According to Europa Press, Zelensky explained that the draft represents a “political framework” involving Ukraine, the United States, Europe and Russia, and that its terms could be changed during the negotiation process once comments were received from Moscow.
Europa Press explained that the project includes international monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with the eventual ceasefire. These mechanisms include the implementation of unmanned systems that monitor the line of contact between forces and allow them to warn of ceasefire violations. For Ukraine’s security, the agreement provides for firm, internationally backed guarantees and the formation of a standing army with a contingent of 800,000 soldiers in peacetime. In addition, the project envisages Ukraine joining the European Union in the future and temporarily receiving priority in integration into the European market.
Regarding the nuclear framework, Zelensky assured that Ukraine will remain a nuclear-weapon-free state in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Regarding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the president stated that joint management between Ukraine, Russia and the United States is proposed, although the details of this cooperation are subject to negotiations, as Kiev rejects the possibility of maintaining direct trade relations with Russia, as published by Europa Press.
As Europa Press reports, the draft contains proposals to promote tolerance and protect minorities. Both parties would commit to developing educational programs that promote cultural understanding and the elimination of prejudice and racism. In addition, Ukraine would commit to implementing EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of minority languages.
Regarding the territorial status of the disputed provinces, Zelensky proposed two alternatives. The first is to maintain the Ukrainian presence in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces and to establish a de facto recognized line of contact based on current troop distribution and monitored by international forces. The second alternative envisages the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas, provided that Russian troops are withdrawn at the same level from the areas under their control in the region. Europa Press pointed out that this second option envisages the creation of a free trade zone and the demilitarization of the area. If this route is considered, its ratification would require a national referendum in Ukraine and the issue would have to be resolved at the highest level of negotiations.
The proposed agreement also contains guarantees for Ukraine’s commercial access to the Dnieper and the Black Sea. As Europa Press details, it is planned to negotiate a specific maritime treaty and another agreement regulating freedom of navigation, ensuring trade without obstacles. Within this framework, the complete demilitarization of Kinburn Spit, a particularly strategic area for maritime control, is being considered.
Another element of the draft is the creation of a humanitarian committee to resolve outstanding issues related to human rights and war-related conflicts. According to Europa Press, this committee would advocate for the exchange of all prisoners of war, including those held in Russia since 2014, and would facilitate the return of not only civilian hostages, but also children and political prisoners held during the conflict.
Once all parties sign the document, the agreement provides for the immediate entry into force of a ceasefire and the holding of elections in Ukraine as soon as possible. Europa Press reported that this cessation of hostilities was subject to the joint adoption of all provisions of the draft as well as ratification by the relevant institutions of each participating country.
During the press conference reported by Europa Press, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be fully reflected in the agreement and reiterated the government’s intention to protect its people and ensure long-term peace in the region. Although the draft is a basis for negotiations and is subject to change, the President considered that Ukraine and its international partners had made progress in establishing clear parameters for ending the conflict.
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