Zelenskyy proposes creating a demilitarized zone in Donbas

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined the details of an updated peace plan to end the Ukraine war. The latest proposal mentions the possibility of withdrawing Ukrainian troops from eastern Ukraine and establishing a demilitarized zone there. This 20-point framework was finalized during discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives held in Florida over the weekend. British media outlet BBC reported this news.

Zelenskyy stated that Moscow’s reaction would be known on Wednesday after the U.S. speaks with Russia. He described this plan as the “main framework” for ending the war. He mentioned that it includes proposals for security guarantees from the U.S., NATO, and European countries. It also includes a mechanism for a coordinated military response if Russia launches an aggression against Ukraine again in the future.

Regarding the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, Zelenskyy said that the creation of a “Free Economic Zone” is being considered as a potential option. He told reporters that since Ukraine has taken a stand against troop withdrawal from the east, U.S. mediators are exploring proposals to establish a demilitarized zone or a free economic zone. However, he emphasized that Ukraine must retain the responsibility for protecting the security of the areas from which Ukrainian troops would be withdrawn.

Zelenskyy said there are two paths: either the war continues, or a decision must be made regarding all potential economic zones. This 20-point plan is seen as an updated version of the 28-point document developed a few weeks ago during discussions between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russia. The previous document was considered more sympathetic to the Kremlin’s demands.

Russia has consistently demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from nearly one-fourth of the eastern Donetsk region—areas currently not occupied by Russian forces—as a condition for a peace treaty. Zelenskyy stated that sensitive territorial issues must be settled at the leadership level. However, the new draft includes strong security guarantees for Ukraine and approval for a peacetime army of 800,000 members.

A major part of this updated plan reflects recent discussions in Berlin, where U.S. mediators Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Ukrainian and European leaders. Later, the focus of the talks shifted to Miami last weekend, where President Donald Trump’s team spoke separately with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Ukrainian and European officials.

While the new framework is more detailed on territorial issues than before, it is clear that full consensus between Ukraine and the U.S. on this matter has not yet been reached. Zelenskyy explained that if a nearly demilitarized economic zone is created in the 25% of Donetsk still under Ukrainian control—by moving heavy weapons back 5, 10, or 40 kilometers—then Russia must also withdraw 5, 10, or 40 kilometers accordingly.