Zelensky Challenges Putin With US-Backed 20-Point Peace Plan As Proposal Reaches Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly outlined the contents of a revised 20-point peace proposal developed jointly by Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators, saying the framework has now been formally sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin's government for consideration as efforts intensify to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking at a briefing with journalists in Kyiv, Zelensky said the plan was finalised after weeks of intensive talks with U.S. officials, including recent meetings in Florida and Berlin. The document, he said, represents a consolidated framework for a comprehensive ceasefire and a longer-term settlement, though Moscow has not yet issued a formal response.

Zelensky did not publish the draft text but described each point in detail. The proposal reaffirms Ukraine's sovereignty and establishes a full and unconditional non-aggression agreement between Ukraine and Russia, supported by international monitoring of the line of contact using space-based and unmanned systems.

At the core of the plan are far-reaching security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky said the U.S., NATO and European partners would provide guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5 collective defence clause. Under the proposal, any renewed Russian attack on Ukraine would trigger a coordinated military response and the automatic reinstatement of international sanctions on Russia. Ukraine would remain a non-nuclear state and would not initiate hostilities against Russian territory.

The plan allows Ukraine to maintain armed forces of up to 800,000 troops in peacetime, while requiring Russia to formalise a policy of non-aggression toward Ukraine and Europe in domestic law and ratification documents.

Politically and economically, the proposal sets out a pathway for Ukraine to join the European Union within a defined timeframe and to receive short-term privileged access to European markets. It also envisages accelerating negotiations on a free trade agreement with the United States after the peace deal is concluded.

A major international recovery and investment package is another pillar of the plan. Zelensky said it would include large-scale reconstruction of war-damaged areas, infrastructure development, cooperation in the energy sector, and investment in high-growth industries. Ukraine would retain the right to seek compensation for damage caused by the war.

On territorial and military arrangements, the proposal recognises current Ukrainian and Russian troop positions in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine as the de facto line of contact, without resolving final borders. It calls for Russian forces to withdraw from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions for the agreement to take effect, and allows for the deployment of international monitoring forces along the line. Any future special economic or demilitarised zones would require approval by Ukraine's parliament or a nationwide referendum.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant would be jointly operated by Ukraine, the United States and Russia under the proposed framework.

Humanitarian provisions include an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, the return of detained civilians and children, and measures to address the suffering of conflict victims. Zelensky said Ukraine would hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement is signed.

The agreement would be legally binding and overseen by an international Peace Council, with sanctions for violations. Once all parties accept the deal, a full and immediate ceasefire would come into force.

Zelensky said Kyiv now awaits Moscow's response, noting that Putin's decision will determine whether the initiative can move from diplomacy to an end to the fighting, which continues along the front lines despite renewed peace efforts.