Kyiv, December 24, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed details of a revised 20-point peace framework developed in collaboration with the United States, marking significant progress in efforts to end Russia's nearly four-year war against Ukraine. In a briefing with journalists on Tuesday (embargoed until Wednesday), Zelenskyy described the draft as a "foundational document" that has evolved substantially from earlier U.S. proposals criticized for leaning toward Russian demands.
The president emphasized consensus on most points following intensive negotiations, including recent sessions in Florida, but highlighted territorial control in the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts) as "the most difficult point." He called for a direct summit with U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve these "sensitive" issues at the leadership level.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would maintain a peacetime army of 800,000 personnel and receive robust security guarantees from the U.S. and European allies, akin to NATO's Article 5 collective defense, incorporating advanced satellite monitoring and early warning systems for ceasefire compliance.
The framework outlines a pathway to Ukraine's European Union membership, post-war elections, accelerated U.S.-Ukraine free trade agreements, and substantial reconstruction aid. It proposes fixing the line of contact in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions "where we stand," while requiring Russian withdrawal from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv oblasts.
To address the Donbas stalemate—where Russia demands full control and Ukraine seeks to retain current lines—the U.S. has proposed establishing free economic zones in disputed areas, potentially demilitarized and monitored by international forces. Zelenskyy expressed openness to this compromise but insisted any such arrangement, along with the overall agreement, must be approved via a nationwide referendum.
"A referendum requires at least 60 days," Zelenskyy noted, stressing the need for a genuine ceasefire during that period to ensure legitimacy. He added that parliamentary ratification and separate laws would also be required for elements like economic zones. Similar discussions apply to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where the U.S. suggests a joint consortium, though Ukraine prefers alternatives.
The draft has been shared with Russian negotiators, with the Kremlin confirming President Vladimir Putin has been briefed and is preparing a response. Moscow's position remains unchanged on maximalist territorial claims, complicating prospects.
Zelenskyy's push for high-level talks with Trump reflects the recognition that core concessions, particularly on borders and Donbas sovereignty, demand direct diplomacy. The revised plan represents Kyiv's efforts to balance security needs with pragmatic compromises, amid ongoing Russian advances and attacks.
As the war approaches its fourth anniversary in February 2026, this framework offers a detailed roadmap, including improved monitoring to prevent past agreement failures. However, both sides acknowledge major hurdles remain, with Zelenskyy underscoring that only the Ukrainian people can decide on territorial matters through democratic processes.
The briefing follows U.S.-mediated talks involving envoys in Florida and earlier European consultations, signaling intensified diplomatic activity under the Trump administration.
