Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has just lifted the veil on a comprehensive 20-point peace framework, co-crafted with the United States as a potential roadmap to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Coming after weeks of negotiations on an earlier 28-point draft, Zelenskyy says “significant progress” has been made—although two major sticking points remain: the fate of the Donbas region and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Sovereignty & Non-Aggression ✌️: Ukraine’s sovereignty is reaffirmed, backed by a full non-aggression treaty with space-based monitoring to flag violations.
- Security Guarantees 🔒: Ukraine keeps its 800,000-strong armed forces and gains robust guarantees from the U.S., NATO members, and Europe, mirroring NATO’s Article 5.
- EU & Economic Integration 💼: A clear date for EU membership, short-term market access, an $800 billion reconstruction fund, and fast-track U.S. free-trade talks.
- Non-Nuclear Status & Nuclear Safety 🚫: Ukraine stays non-nuclear (NPT rules) while proposing a 50-50 U.S.-Ukraine enterprise for Zaporizhzhia’s operations, versus a U.S.-Russia-Ukraine joint model.
- Territory & Navigation 🗺️: Plans for demilitarized zones in Donbas, freedom of navigation on the Dnipro River and Black Sea, and demilitarization of the Kinburn Spit.
- Society & Humanitarian ❤️: Educational programs to boost tolerance, EU-style minority protections, a humanitarian committee for POW exchanges, civilian detainees, and post-conflict aid.
- Implementation & Enforcement 📜: A legally binding Peace Council chaired by the U.S. President, with sanctions for violations and an immediate ceasefire once all parties sign.
Next steps: The U.S. will pass the draft to Moscow. If Russia agrees, leaders from Ukraine, the U.S., EU and Russia will sign off—potentially ushering in a new era of peace. Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has said Moscow will review the plan privately before responding, keeping communication lines open with Washington.
For young people across South and Southeast Asia, this plan shows how global cooperation and innovative diplomacy could shape a more peaceful future. Stay tuned! 🙌
Reference(s):
Zelenskyy unveils 20-point peace proposal for the first time
cgtn.com
