Under US Pressure, Zelensky Proposes 20-Point Peace Plan with Russia

Dec 12, 2025
International

Image: Rescue workers after a Russian airstrike in Sumy, Ukraine, on December 11, 2025 (Collected. Al Jazeera. Handout/State Emergency Service of Ukraine via Reuters)

International Desk: PNN

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US is pressuring him to withdraw troops from Donetsk to create an “independent economic zone” in Russian-controlled areas.

On Thursday, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine submitted a 20-point counterproposal for peace during security guarantee talks with US officials. He emphasized that any territorial concessions must be subject to a Ukrainian referendum.

The US describes the area as an “economic independent zone,” but governance details remain unclear. Zelensky believes the Ukrainian people should approve decisions via a vote.

Zelensky faces US pressure to negotiate with Russia, with President Trump aiming for a deal by Christmas. The peace plan includes a 20-point framework and separate documents on security guarantees and reconstruction.

Zelensky opposed unilateral troop withdrawals and questioned, “Why should the other side also withdraw equally?” He noted unresolved issues remain.

NATO chief Mark Rutte warned that Russia could use military force against the alliance within five years and urged rapid defense spending and production increases.

Ukraine’s allies discussed the stalled use of Russian assets in a virtual “Coalition of the Willing” meeting. The European Commission has tried to fund Kyiv using nearly €200 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets since 2022.

Currently, renewal of these assets requires unanimous consent every six months, with Hungary able to veto. EU ambassadors agreed on Thursday to maintain suspension without needing renewal every six months.

Trump reportedly wants to keep European nations away from the peace process, negotiating directly with Moscow and Kyiv. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Rutte in Berlin, planning further talks and an international meeting early next week.

Al Jazeera reporter Audrey McAlpine noted that Merz and Rutte “believe Ukraine is closer to a ceasefire than before,” and any territorial concessions must be approved by Kyiv with European leaders included in peace talks. The White House stated Trump would send representatives if there’s a realistic chance of signing a peace deal.