Volodymyr Zelensky shared details of the 20-point peace plan during a recent media briefing, set against the backdrop of increasingly tense statements from European leaders. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that this year could be the last peaceful one for Europe, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned of even greater challenges ahead.
The main aspects of the peace plan include US participation in negotiations and potential administration of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine insists on its territorial integrity and proposes a free economic zone on the affected territories exclusively under its control, excluding Russia. Any referendum regarding the status of these territories would only take place after elections and during a sustained ceasefire.
Security guarantees, recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty, and gradual adoption of tolerance and European standards are emphasized. Russia, however, has shown no willingness for concessions and is seen as attempting to delay negotiations to its own advantage.
The implementation of the plan calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Sumy and Kharkiv regions, and for the current line of contact to be fixed in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian authorities express doubts regarding Russia’s potential involvement in the free economic zone due to destabilization risks.
Other issues discussed include the protection of national minorities, support for Ukraine’s defense forces, and political or economic instability in the West, which could impact US and European policies toward the conflict.
Zelensky stressed that security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial in any accord, and that the status of Ukrainian territory remains a firm position. Ukraine is prepared to consider compromises only under strict conditions and with strong guarantees from international partners.
