Zelensky Unveils 20-Point Peace Plan, Offers Potential Ukrainian Troop Withdrawal From East
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed a new 20-point peace plan, agreed with the U.S., that includes potential troop withdrawals from the east in exchange for strong Western security guarantees.
Could Ukraine trade territory for peace? President Volodymyr Zelensky has detailed a new 20-point peace plan that offers the potential withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the east—a core demand from Moscow. The proposal could serve as a major framework for ending the war, but it contains sensitive concessions that could spark fierce domestic debate.
Nato-Style Guarantees and an 800,000-Strong Military
Describing the plan agreed with US negotiators in Florida over the weekend, Zelensky called it "the main framework for ending the war." It proposes robust security guarantees from the US, Nato, and Europeans, mirroring Nato membership with a coordinated military response if Russia were to invade again. Ukraine would also maintain a military strength of 800,000, Zelensky explained. Russia is expected to give its response after the Americans have spoken to them.
The Donbas Conundrum
The plan's most contentious element concerns the eastern Donbas region. Russia has long insisted that Ukraine pull its troops out of almost a quarter of the Donetsk region in exchange for a peace deal. While Zelensky said sensitive issues over territory would have to be resolved "at the leaders' level," he offered a potential alternative to a full withdrawal: a demilitarised zone or a "free economic zone."
There are two options: either the war continues, or something will have to be decided regarding all potential economic zones.
He emphasized that such a zone would also need to be established around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. In return, Russian troops would be required to pull out of four other Ukrainian regions: Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
As of January 22, 2026, Iran's internet blackout continues. However, Starlink terminals are being smuggled in to help protesters stay online. Read about the tech-driven resistance.
China's trade surplus with Africa hit a record $102 billion in 2025 as Beijing redirected exports to the continent following increased U.S. tariff pressure.
Analyzing the 2026 Trump Greenland demand and its impact on Russia's strategic position and U.S. relations with Western allies.
Explaining the Arctic territorial dispute 2026. Discover how superpowers like Russia and the US are clashing over resources and new trade routes in the melting North.
As of January 22, 2026, Iran's internet blackout continues. However, Starlink terminals are being smuggled in to help protesters stay online. Read about the tech-driven resistance.
China's trade surplus with Africa hit a record $102 billion in 2025 as Beijing redirected exports to the continent following increased U.S. tariff pressure.
Analyzing the 2026 Trump Greenland demand and its impact on Russia's strategic position and U.S. relations with Western allies.
Explaining the Arctic territorial dispute 2026. Discover how superpowers like Russia and the US are clashing over resources and new trade routes in the melting North.