Ukraine has formally presented a US-backed 20-point peace proposal to Russia, offering a potential framework to end the nearly four-year war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled the revised plan on December 23 after weeks of negotiations with American officials and formally delivered it to the Kremlin on December 24. The proposal includes NATO-style security guarantees, demilitarized zones in eastern Ukraine, and other measures designed to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty while reducing the risk of future conflict.

Under the plan, Ukraine would maintain a peacetime force of 800,000 troops and remain a non-nuclear state, with “Article 5-like” guarantees from the United States, NATO, and European partners. Territorial arrangements would require Russian forces to withdraw from parts of Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. Zelenskyy also floated the creation of demilitarized “free economic zones” in parts of Donetsk Oblast, but only if Russian troops pull back as well. One of the most contentious issues remains the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with the US proposing joint management by Ukraine, Russia, and the US, while Zelenskyy countered with a Ukraine-US partnership giving Americans oversight of their allocated energy share.

Fragile reality

Even as peace efforts advanced, the conflict raged on. On Christmas night, Russia launched 131 drones across Ukraine, with 106 intercepted by Ukrainian forces but 22 hitting 15 locations. The attacks killed at least two people and caused widespread power outages in several regions. The strikes highlighted the fragile reality of negotiations, showing that the road to peace remains perilous.

Moscow has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the proposal, though Russian officials have repeatedly rejected key provisions, including NATO-style security guarantees and territorial concessions. The agreement would be overseen by a Peace Council chaired by US President Donald Trump, with violations triggering automatic sanctions. Ratification would require either approval by Ukraine’s parliament or a nationwide referendum within 60 days, with a full ceasefire taking effect immediately once all parties accept the deal.

The plan represents the most comprehensive effort yet to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, balancing security guarantees, territorial compromises, and oversight of strategic infrastructure. However, with ongoing attacks and deeply entrenched positions on both sides, analysts warn that achieving lasting peace will require unprecedented diplomacy and international cooperation.