Dec 24, 2025 — In a significant diplomatic development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled the outlines of a comprehensive 20-point peace plan developed in coordination with United States negotiators that aims to halt the persistent Russia-Ukraine conflict and usher in a lasting ceasefire.
The draft document — which has not yet been made public in full — was described by Zelensky during a press briefing in Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian leader, negotiators representing Kyiv and Washington have reached agreement on the bulk of the plan’s provisions, which have now been formally forwarded to Moscow for review.
Key Elements of the Proposal
The peace framework covers a wide range of political, security, humanitarian, and economic issues, including:
- Reaffirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and an unconditional non-aggression pact between Ukraine and Russia.
- Establishment of an international monitoring system along the line of contact to oversee compliance and help prevent future hostilities.
- Security guarantees backed by the United States, NATO, and European partners, with provisions similar to Article 5 collective defense mechanisms. If Russia renews large-scale aggression, sanctions and military responses would be triggered.
- A plan to maintain Ukraine’s armed forces at specified peacetime strength and strengthen defense cooperation with Western allies.
- Broad economic and reconstruction goals, including the creation of investment funds and strategic development partnerships intended to support Ukraine’s recovery.
- A humanitarian committee to oversee prisoner exchanges, return of civilians and hostages, and care measures for war victims.
- Provisions for Ukraine to hold elections promptly after the agreement is concluded, and a legally binding enforcement mechanism — a Peace Council chaired by the U.S. president — to monitor implementation and address violations.
Ceasefire Condition & Next Steps
The initiative states that a full ceasefire would begin immediately after all parties sign the agreement. However, Zelensky acknowledged that territorial arrangements remain unresolved, particularly issues related to contested regions. These points will require further negotiation at the highest political levels.
With the plan now under consideration in Moscow, global attention is focused on how Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration will respond. A positive reply could open the door to a diplomatic end to a conflict that has reshaped European security dynamics since early 2022.
International Context
The peace initiative arrives amid broader diplomatic activity, including recent U.S.-brokered discussions between Russian and Ukrainian officials described as constructive by Washington envoys. Analysts stress that while the peace plan represents a structured attempt to move toward an end to hostilities, the pace of progress remains cautious due largely to unresolved territorial and political disagreements.