Zelensky Assessing US-Russia Peace Plan: A 28-Point Strategy to Conclude Conflict

Post by : Raina Nasser

Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is currently evaluating a 28-point peace initiative proposed by the United States and Russia, designed to bring an end to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. This draft plan has been formally received from Washington and entails significant compromises from Kyiv, some of which have previously been dubbed intolerable by Ukrainian officials.

This peace proposal surfaces after four years of extensive hostilities due to Russia’s invasion and aims to restore diplomatic initiatives for a ceasefire. Discussions regarding the plan are expected to transpire soon between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, with Zelensky stressing that any negotiated settlement must safeguard the interests of the Ukrainian populace and facilitate a fair resolution to the conflict.

The 28-point framework encompasses various dimensions of both the ongoing war and subsequent arrangements post-conflict. It reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty yet suggests the acknowledgment of certain regions—Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk—as being under Russian authority. Additionally, Ukraine would have to limit its military capacity, conduct elections within 100 days, and renounce future NATO affiliation.

Per the proposed agreement, Ukraine would benefit from security assurances from the United States, albeit with compensation to Washington for the provided support. The economic aspect includes a long-term partnership between the US and Russia for Ukraine’s reconstruction, with approximately $100 billion of frozen Russian assets earmarked for rebuilding efforts. In this initiative, the US would also gain 50% of the profits generated.

Highlighted in the plan are pivotal points such as:

1. Affirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
2. A non-aggression pact involving Russia, Ukraine, and Europe to resolve historical disputes.
3. Russia's commitment to refrain from intruding into neighboring nations, with NATO's expansion being halted.
4. US mediation in security dialogues between Russia and NATO.
5. Explicit US security guarantees for Ukraine.
6. A maximum of 600,000 personnel in Ukrainian armed forces.
7. Non-membership of Ukraine in NATO, which NATO will legally acknowledge.
8. Deployment of European fighter jets in Poland.
9. Gradual reintegration of Russia into the global economy and stepwise sanctions lifting.
10. Reconstruction funding for Ukraine sourced from frozen Russian assets through joint US-Russian investments.
11. Implementation of humanitarian actions, including exchanges of prisoners and family reunifications.
12. Elections to be organized in Ukraine within a 100-day timeframe.
13. Amnesty on both sides for actions related to the war, with the agreement being legally binding.
14. A ceasefire to commence immediately once all conditions are fulfilled and both sides withdraw to designated positions.

The proposed plan is partly inspired by previous ceasefire agreements and underscores the necessity of international oversight, including monitoring by a Peace Council led by President Trump. Ukrainian authorities have underscored their commitment to prioritize Ukraine’s safety, sovereignty, and the welfare of its citizens as they scrutinize the proposal.