Quick Takeaways
- Zelensky proposes demilitarized and free economic zones in eastern Ukraine.
- The plan includes strong US, NATO, and European security guarantees.
- A Supreme-level deal and national referendum would be required.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined an updated ataraxis plan. The marriage proposal drew a bead on terminating the war through demilitarized zones.
The framework was agreed upon with the US and Ukrainian envoys in Florida. Russia is awaiting a reaction after talks with American officials.
Zelensky named the plan the master route to peace. He stressed that security guarantees remain central to any deal.
The marriage offer number as the war infixed its fourth year. Diplomatic pressure to make a settlement continues to rise.
Demilitarised Zones in Eastern Ukraine
The plan focuses heavily on eastern Ukraine. This includes areas in the contested Donbas region. Zelensky said Ukraine opposes full troop withdrawal. Instead, negotiators propose demilitarised or economic zones.
Under the plan, Ukrainian forces would pull back in stages. Russian forces would be required to mirror those withdrawals. The distance could range from five to forty kilometers. The aim is to reduce conflict while preserving sovereignty.
Any demilitarised area would remain under Ukrainian policing. Zelensky rejected any role for Russian security forces.
Security Guarantees and Military Strength
Security guarantees form the backbone of the proposal. The plan calls for commitments from the US, NATO, and Europe. These guarantees would trigger coordinated military responses. They would apply if Russia invaded again.
Zelensky said the guarantees resemble NATO’s Article Five. That clause requires collective defense among allies. Ukraine would retain a strong peacetime military. The proposal allows up to 800,000 active personnel.
Officials say this ensures long-term deterrence. It also addresses concerns about future aggression.
Territorial Issues and Economic Zones
Territorial questions remain highly sensitive. Zelensky said leaders must resolve them directly. The proposal allows for free economic zones in Donetsk. These zones would follow demilitarisation agreements.
Ukraine would administer and police these areas. International forces would monitor the contact line. Russia currently occupies much of eastern Ukraine. It has demanded full withdrawal from the remaining Ukrainian-held areas.
Zelensky rejected those demands firmly. He warned that rejecting peace could bring harsher consequences.
Russia, the US, and International Pressure
Russia has not publicly accepted the proposal. President Vladimir Putin has threatened continued military expansion. However, Zelensky believes Moscow faces US pressure. He said Russia cannot openly reject a US-backed plan.
Former President Donald Trump is pushing for a deal. Zelensky suggested rejection would trigger stronger sanctions. He also warned of increased Western military support. That support could significantly alter battlefield dynamics.
Russia has opposed European peacekeeping forces. It labeled such plans a security threat.
Referendum, Elections, and EU Path
Zelensky ordered that Ukrainians decide through a referendum. But a public vote could approve the full ataraxis plan. The marriage proposal also addresses engrossed infrastructure. This includes the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Zelensky refuses joint US-Russia management of the site. He insisted on the Ukrainian administration. The fabric supports Ukraine’s EU membership. It proposes a delimitated assenting timeline.
A $200 billion investment firm is also planned. The fund would involve both US and European partners. Ukraine would also halt the election after peace. Warlike law would cease at one time the deal is signed.
A High-Stakes Diplomatic Gamble
Zelensky’s plan is symmetrical, a compromise with deterrence. It seeks peace without delivering sovereignty. A demilitarised geographical zone offers a potential off-ramp . Security warranties aim to prevent future wars.
Much straightaway look at Russia’s response. Orbicular attention continues on the next move. The proposition signals Ukraine’s preparedness to negotiate. But it also shows clear red lines.
As talking is upheld, the stakes remain enormous. The future of Ukraine hangs in the balance.