Ukraine Drops New 20-Point Peace Plan as Tensions with Russia Spike
Ukraine has submitted a fresh 20-point peace package to the US, along with extra documents on security guarantees and reconstruction. The move comes after intense diplomatic talks aimed at ending the bloody conflict with Russia.
US Pushes Ukraine to Pull Back from Donetsk
President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed a bold US proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from parts of eastern Donetsk. The plan would turn these areas into either a “special economic zone” or a “demilitarised zone.”
Russia is demanding Ukraine gives up roughly 30% of Donetsk it still controls. Kyiv flatly refuses, fearing Moscow would use the territory as a gateway for future invasions.
“What will restrain Russia from advancing? Or infiltrating disguised as civilians?” Zelensky questioned, warning of serious security risks if Ukraine pulls back alone.
He insisted any withdrawal must be matched by Russian forces pulling back the same distance—or he might push for elections or a referendum to let local people decide.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant: A Dangerous Stalemate
Zelensky flagged two sticking points: territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – Europe’s largest, held by Russia since March 2022.
He suggested a shaky deal with Russia withdrawing while Kyiv shares control with the US. But Zelensky admitted details were vague, and Moscow might never agree.
No Quick Fix: Zelensky Warns of Fragile Peace Talks
There’s no set deadline from Washington, but Zelensky says the US wants a “quicker conclusion” to the war. He warned US military aid might dry up eventually if progress stalls.
“The final mile is the hardest. Everything could fall apart for many reasons,” he cautioned.
Despite urgent Ukrainian calls for a ceasefire amid relentless nightly air raids, the US and Russia reportedly agree to delay any truce, giving Moscow time to grab ground.
NATO Snub and Shadowy Deals
On NATO, Zelensky was brutally frank: “The US does not want Ukraine in Nato. They say this openly.”
He hinted Washington might be striking backroom deals with Moscow, saying, “We do not know what other agreements the US may have with Russia. We will learn in time.”
Russian Play: Lavrov Backs Trump and Rejects Foreign Troops
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Donald Trump for brokering talks and claimed 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 peace plan.
He insisted Russia offered legal guarantees not to attack NATO or EU members, but European officials remain sceptical, warning Moscow’s track record is shaky.
Ukraine’s Security Fears Persist
Zelensky confirmed he’s seen draft US security guarantee proposals but warned they don’t yet ease Ukraine’s fears.
He told reporters, “No one knows what may happen the day after tomorrow… We do not know how these negotiations will end.”
Stay tuned for the latest on this high-stakes showdown.
