Zelensky outlines U.S.-led peace proposal for Ukraine, seeks Russian feedback
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday detailed a U.S.-led proposal aimed at ending the war, saying negotiators from Kyiv and Washington agreed on a framework that has been sent to Moscow for feedback. He did not publish a draft but described the plan’s provisions point by point in a briefing with journalists.
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The document envisions a “full and unconditional non-aggression agreement” between Russia and Ukraine, reinforced by a monitoring regime along the line of contact that would use space-based unmanned surveillance for early warning and deconfliction. A technical working group would settle operational details.
The package centers on robust, NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine. Kyiv would retain a peacetime armed forces strength of 800,000 personnel. The United States, NATO and European signatories would commit to guarantees that “mirror Article 5,” activating a coordinated military response and restoring global sanctions on Russia if Moscow attacks again. The guarantees would be voided if Ukraine were to strike Russian territory without provocation. Bilateral guarantees could be layered on top.
Russia, under the proposal, would codify a non-aggression posture toward Ukraine and Europe through legislation and ratified documents. Ukraine would remain a non-nuclear state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The plan includes a pathway to European Union membership “within a specifically defined period,” plus short-term privileged access to the EU market. It also calls for accelerated talks on a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the United States once the peace deal is concluded.
A sweeping reconstruction and investment program is paired with the security track. Ukraine would receive a “strong global development package,” including a Ukraine Development Fund targeting high-growth sectors such as technology, data centers and artificial intelligence. The United States and U.S. companies would co-invest in the recovery and in the modernization and operation of Ukraine’s gas pipelines and storage. The World Bank would provide special financing, and a high-level working group—led by a global financial figure appointed as a “prosperity administrator”—would coordinate the strategy.
Multiple funds are envisioned to rebuild cities, regions and essential infrastructure, address humanitarian needs and revive the economy. The United States and European countries would establish a capital-and-grants fund targeting $200 billion, with global instruments mobilized for reconstruction. Ukraine would adopt best-practice standards to attract foreign direct investment and asserts a right to compensation for war damage.
On the battlefield map, the proposal treats the troop positions in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson at the time of signing as the de facto line of contact. A working group would define any force redeployments needed to end hostilities and explore potential special economic zones, subject to approval by Ukraine’s parliament or a referendum. International forces would deploy along the line to monitor compliance once reciprocal movement of forces is agreed. For the accord to take effect, Russia must withdraw from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, Zelensky said.
Humanitarian measures include an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, the return of all detained civilians, children and political prisoners, and broader support for conflict victims. Education initiatives in both countries would promote cultural understanding, and Ukraine would implement EU rules on religious tolerance and minority language protection.
The plan specifies joint operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Ukraine, the United States and Russia. It obliges both sides to adhere to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and to renounce any attempt to alter future territorial arrangements by force. Russia would commit not to obstruct Ukraine’s use of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea for commerce.
Implementation would be overseen by a legally binding mechanism—a Peace Council chaired by President Trump and involving Ukraine, Europe, NATO, Russia and the United States—with sanctions triggered for violations. Ukraine would hold elections as soon as possible after signing, and a full cease-fire would take immediate effect once all parties agree to the accord.
Zelensky framed the initiative as a comprehensive security, economic and humanitarian settlement, while emphasizing that it now awaits Russia’s response.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
