Zelenskyy Calls for Leadership-Level Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced his readiness to meet with the United States at the leaders’ level, including former President Donald Trump, to address sensitive issues such as territorial control in eastern Ukraine.

Speaking at an embargoed briefing on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said:

“Matters such as territorial questions must be discussed at the leaders’ level.”

The announcement comes after intensive talks in Florida between Ukrainian and US negotiators on a revised 20-point peace plan, nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the latest draft by envoy Kirill Dmitriev, with Moscow preparing its response.

---

Key Developments in the Peace Framework

The updated 20-point framework shows significant evolution from the earlier US-proposed plan, which Kyiv had criticized as overly favorable to Moscow. Key elements include:

• Maintaining Ukraine’s army strength at 800,000 during peacetime.
• Robust security guarantees from the US and European allies.
• Withdrawal of Russian forces from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
• Deployment of international monitoring forces along the front line to ensure compliance.

Despite progress, Zelenskyy highlighted that territorial disputes, particularly over Donetsk and Luhansk (Donbas), remain the most challenging issue. Kyiv proposes holding current battle lines, while Moscow demands Ukrainian withdrawal from all of eastern Donetsk. The US has suggested transforming disputed areas into free economic zones, with Ukraine insisting on referendums for any territorial adjustments.

---

Controversial Areas and Nuclear Concerns

The plan also addresses sensitive sites, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. Zelenskyy proposed creating a small economic zone around the plant to ensure safety and economic activity while mitigating conflict risks.

“Since there is no faith in the Russians, and they have repeatedly broken their promises, today’s contact line is turning into a line of a de facto free economic zone, and international forces should be there to guarantee security,” Zelenskyy explained.

---

Additional Provisions: EU Membership and Reconstruction

The peace framework includes provisions for Ukraine’s:

• European Union membership on a defined date.
• Post-agreement elections to ensure democratic legitimacy.
• Accelerated free trade agreement with the United States.
• Reconstruction and economic investment funds, with Ukraine retaining authority over the allocation of resources in territories it controls.

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of determining fund distribution priorities, saying the topic required extensive negotiation due to its critical nature.

---

Security Guarantees and Monitoring Mechanisms

The plan also outlines security guarantees comparable to NATO’s Article 5, obligating partners to respond to renewed Russian aggression. These guarantees will be formalized in a bilateral US-Ukraine document, detailing:

• Conditions for security provision.
• A monitoring mechanism using satellite technology and early warning systems to oversee ceasefire compliance.
• Rapid response capabilities in case of violations.

“The United States believes this is an unprecedented step, offering strong security guarantees for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

---

Conclusion

President Zelenskyy’s revised peace plan represents a significant step toward resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, balancing territorial integrity, security guarantees, and international involvement.

While territorial control in the Donbas remains the most difficult issue, the plan offers a comprehensive roadmap for ceasefire monitoring, economic reconstruction, EU integration, and military safeguards, laying the foundation for potential negotiations at the leadership level, including with Donald Trump.