Key Facts
- President Zelensky opened the door to the creation of a demilitarized zone in the part of Donbass controlled by Kiev.
- The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops is conditioned on the simultaneous withdrawal of the Russian army.
- Zelensky revealed the latest version of the American peace plan.
- The proposed zone would be supervised by international forces.
Quick Summary
Ukrainian President Zelensky has signaled a potential shift in his stance regarding the conflict in the Donbass region. He indicated openness to the establishment of a demilitarized zone in the area currently controlled by Kiev. However, this concession is strictly conditional upon the simultaneous withdrawal of Russian military forces from the territory.
In addition to these territorial conditions, Zelensky has publicly unveiled the latest iteration of a peace plan proposed by the United States. This development marks a significant moment in diplomatic efforts, as the Ukrainian leadership outlines specific requirements for any potential ceasefire or peace agreement. The proposal relies heavily on the supervision of international forces to maintain stability should the demilitarization proceed.
Zelensky Signals Openness to Demilitarized Zone
President Zelensky has introduced a new variable into the ongoing negotiations regarding the Donbass region. He announced that he is open to the creation of a demilitarized zone within the territory currently under the control of Ukrainian forces. This represents a notable consideration in the Ukrainian strategy regarding the disputed eastern regions.
The proposal is not unilateral; it is strictly bound to specific conditions regarding military presence. Zelensky stated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops to facilitate this zone would only occur if the Russian army simultaneously withdraws its forces. This condition aims to ensure a balanced and secure environment for the local population.
Revelation of US Peace Plan
Beyond the specific proposal for the Donbass region, the Ukrainian President also revealed details regarding a broader diplomatic framework. Zelensky disclosed the latest version of a peace plan originally formulated by American officials. This suggests that diplomatic channels between the United States and Ukraine remain active and central to conflict resolution strategies.
The release of this American peace plan serves as the backdrop for the territorial proposals. It indicates that the Ukrainian leadership is aligning its specific regional demands with a larger, internationally supported roadmap for peace. The synchronization of these plans may be critical for future negotiations.
Role of International Forces
A critical component of the proposed Zelensky initiative is the mechanism for security and oversight. The President specified that any demilitarized zone would require supervision by "forces internationales" (international forces). This highlights the necessity of a third-party presence to monitor compliance and maintain order in the region.
The reliance on international supervision underscores the lack of trust between the warring parties. By mandating an external monitoring body, the proposal seeks to create a buffer that prevents immediate resumption of hostilities. The specific composition of these forces remains a subject for future discussion.
Conclusion
The statements made by President Zelensky on December 24, 2025, outline a conditional path toward peace in the Donbass. By linking the creation of a demilitarized zone to the withdrawal of Russian troops and international supervision, the Ukrainian leadership has set clear parameters for negotiation. The simultaneous unveiling of the US peace plan suggests a coordinated effort to resolve the conflict through structured diplomatic channels.
These developments indicate a potential opening for de-escalation, provided that the stipulated conditions regarding military withdrawal and international oversight are met. The focus now shifts to how these proposals will be received by the opposing side and the international community at large.
Key Facts: 1. President Zelensky opened the door to the creation of a demilitarized zone in the part of Donbass controlled by Kiev. 2. The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops is conditioned on the simultaneous withdrawal of the Russian army. 3. Zelensky revealed the latest version of the American peace plan. 4. The proposed zone would be supervised by international forces. FAQ: Q1: What are Zelensky's conditions for a demilitarized zone? A1: Zelensky conditions the creation of a demilitarized zone on the simultaneous withdrawal of the Russian army. Q2: Who would supervise the proposed zone? A2: The zone is proposed to be supervised by international forces."forces internationales"
— President Zelensky
