Ukraine Unveils New 20-Point Peace Plan as Russia Tensions Explode
Ukraine has delivered a fresh 20-point peace proposal to the US, accompanied by extra documents on security guarantees and reconstruction. This comes amid fiery diplomatic talks to end the bloody conflict with Russia.
US Wants Ukraine to Pull Back from Donetsk
President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed a daring US plan for Ukraine to withdraw from parts of eastern Donetsk. The areas would become a “special economic zone” or a “demilitarised zone.”
Russia demands Kyiv give up about 30% of the Donetsk region it still controls. Ukraine flat-out refuses, fearing Moscow will turn the land into a springboard for future attacks.
“What will restrain Russia from advancing? Or infiltrating disguised as civilians?” Zelensky warned, highlighting the huge security risks of a one-sided pullback.
He insisted any Ukrainian retreat must be paired with Russian forces pulling back the same distance — or Ukraine might push for local elections or a referendum.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Sparks Tense Standoff
Zelensky pinpointed two deal-breakers: territory and control over Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, seized by Russia since March 2022.
He floated a shaky proposal for Russian withdrawal, with Kyiv sharing control alongside the US. But admitted the details remained “vague” and doubted Moscow would ever agree.
Fragile Peace Talks Face Rocky Road Ahead
Washington has no set deadline but is keen on a “quicker conclusion” to the war, Zelensky said. He warned that American military aid could dry up if progress stalls.
“The final mile is the hardest. Everything could fall apart for many reasons,” he cautioned.
Despite urgent calls for a ceasefire amid brutal nightly air raids, reports suggest the US and Russia have agreed to delay any truce — giving Moscow time to seize more ground.
NATO Cold Shoulder and Secret Backroom Deals
Zelensky didn’t hold back on NATO: “The US does not want Ukraine in NATO. They say this openly.”
He also hinted at shadowy US-Russia deals behind closed doors. “We do not know what other agreements the US may have with Russia. We will learn in time,” he warned.
Russia Backs Trump, Rejects Foreign Troops in Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Donald Trump for helping with talks and said a Putin-US envoy meeting cleared up “misunderstandings.”
Lavrov slammed the idea of foreign troops in Ukraine, calling it the “sad logic” of Zelensky’s plan.
He claimed Russia offered legal guarantees not to attack NATO or EU countries, but European officials remain deeply sceptical.
Ukraine’s Security Worries Remain Deep
Zelensky confirmed he’s seen draft US security proposals but said they don’t ease Ukraine’s fears.
“No one knows what may happen the day after tomorrow… We do not know how these negotiations will end.”
Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes standoff.
