Zelensky reveals details of peace plan with Russia: freezing fronts and the fate of NATO
In a significant development that could alter the course of the conflict in Eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky details of the latest draft plan to end the war with Russia. The plan is based primarily on the principle of "freezing the front lines" along the current contact lines. This move comes as a result of intensive negotiations between American and Ukrainian officials, culminating in a twenty-point document. Kyiv and Washington are now awaiting Russia's response.
Details of the plan and the position regarding the land
Zelensky explained that the new plan paves the way for the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from specific areas in exchange for the establishment of demilitarized zones, noting that Moscow is currently studying the proposal. While ruling out the Kremlin abandoning its claims to the territories it controls, the Ukrainian president acknowledged the existence of points of contention, while simultaneously emphasizing Kyiv's success in amending the original 28-point draft, which had been more favorable to Russian demands.
Among the most significant changes to the plan was the removal of the requirement that Ukraine legally renounce its aspirations to join NATO, as well as the clause demanding that Kyiv recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied territories. However, the issue of NATO membership remains complex, given the continued US assertions that it is difficult to achieve at present in order to avoid a direct confrontation with Moscow.
Field context and historical background
This initiative comes at a time when the war, which erupted in February 2022, has reached a strategic stalemate on several fronts, with both sides suffering significant human and military losses. During the course of the war, Russia seized control of large parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions and formally annexed them, a move rejected by the international community and considered by Ukraine to be a violation of its sovereignty. These four regions are the main sticking point in any peace negotiations, as each side seeks to establish full control over them or retain what it currently holds as bargaining chips.
Security arrangements and economic zones
In detailing the security arrangements, Zelensky stated, “In the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, the line of troop deployment as of the date of this agreement will effectively serve as the line of contact.” He added that a specialized working group will be formed to determine the mechanisms for military redeployment to end the armed conflict, as well as to establish criteria for the creation of future “special economic zones,” which could indicate compromises regarding joint administration or special status for some of the disputed areas.
The plan also addressed the situation of the city of Enerhodar, which houses the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (the largest in Europe), where Kyiv proposed turning it into a demilitarized zone to ensure nuclear security and avoid a radiological disaster that could affect the entire continent, a demand that the International Atomic Energy Agency has long advocated.
Strategic importance and expected impact
This proposal is of paramount importance both regionally and internationally. Locally, a ceasefire could mean an end to the years-long bloodshed and a partial return to stability, allowing reconstruction efforts to begin. Internationally, reaching a de-escalation agreement would ease tensions between Russia and the West and could positively impact the stability of global energy and food markets, which have been severely affected by the conflict. However, the greatest challenge remains the extent to which the parties will adhere to the terms of the agreement, especially given the mutual distrust and Moscow's desire to secure its territorial gains, while Washington seeks a face-saving solution for Kyiv.
