Ukraine presented updated peace plan to US, says Zelensky | World

In comments to reporters, Zelensky said the United States had discussed the idea of ​​creating a “free economic zone” in parts of eastern Ukraine and from where troops from kyiv if would withdrawbut that any territorial concession should be subject to a referendum.

“We are actively working on key steps and they must be concrete steps,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine is under pressure to accept the terms of a peace plan aimed at ending the Russian war.

The Kremlin, in turn, is insisting that the country withdraw its forces from eastern Donbass, which includes areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that the Russian army has failed to capture in nearly four years of invasion.

Zelensky took part in the negotiations on the peace proposal led by the President of the United States, Donald Trumpbut maintained its position that Ukraine would not consider ceding territory to the Kremlin.

“The Russians want all of Donbass – we don’t accept that,” Zelensky told reporters in kyiv on Thursday. “I believe the Ukrainian people will answer this question. Whether in the form of elections or a referendum, the Ukrainian people must be able to express themselves.”

Ukraine’s allies will review the latest draft peace plan on Thursday, after Ukrainian leaders Germany, France And United Kingdom after meeting Trump on Wednesday (10).

THE German Prime Minister, Frédéric Merzsaid he was “relatively optimistic” about progress expected by the weekend, as the parties try to reach consensus on terms.