Ukraine secured concessions in the newest US-drafted plan to halt Russia’s invasion, as revealed by President Zelenskyy, though uncertainties linger on territorial control and Moscow’s acceptance. The 20-point proposal, now under Kremlin review, drops demands for immediate Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk or recognition of Russian-held lands, while eliminating requirements to forgo NATO ambitions. Zelenskyy noted it recognizes current front lines in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson as contact lines, with working groups to plan troop redeployments, demilitarized zones, and potential economic zones—options Kyiv previously resisted but now delays via referendums for any pullbacks. Putin remains firm on full eastern withdrawals and concessions, amid ongoing Russian advances; the plan proposes tripartite management of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (opposed by Zelenskyy), post-agreement elections, and NATO as a member-state decision, with slim admission prospects. Kremlin is formulating a response, but direct talks have stalled and gaps persist.
Zelenskyy discloses US-Ukraine strategy to conclude war with Russia, though major uncertainties persist.
