KYIV, Ukraine — In a significant development, the United States and Ukraine have come to an agreement on several crucial matters aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict. However, sensitive topics, particularly regarding territorial control in Ukraine's eastern industrial heartland and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, remain unresolved, according to Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy made these remarks following the unveiling of a 20-point plan, meticulously crafted during extensive negotiations in Florida. This plan was subsequently presented to Russian negotiators, with a response from Moscow anticipated on Wednesday. The Ukrainian president provided journalists with a detailed overview of each aspect of the plan on Tuesday, although his comments were embargoed until the following morning.
The draft proposal reflects Ukraine's aspirations and intertwines political and commercial interests to enhance security while promoting economic growth. Central to the negotiations is the contentious territorial dispute concerning the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, collectively known as the Donbas. Zelenskyy described this as the most challenging aspect of the discussions, indicating that these matters would need to be addressed at the leadership level.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Russia maintains maximalist demands, insisting that Ukraine relinquish the remaining territories in Donbas that have not yet been captured — an ultimatum that Ukraine firmly rejects. Currently, Russian forces control most of Luhansk and approximately 70% of Donetsk. In an effort to foster compromise, the U.S. has proposed transforming these areas into free economic zones, a suggestion met with skepticism by Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized that any agreement must hinge on a referendum, allowing the Ukrainian populace to determine their future.
Another significant point of contention is the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest facility of its kind in Europe, which is currently under Russian occupation. The U.S. has proposed a consortium involving Ukraine and Russia, with each party holding an equal stake. However, Zelenskyy countered with a proposal for a joint venture between the U.S. and Ukraine, allowing the Americans to dictate the distribution of their share, presuming it would not benefit Russia.
“We did not reach a consensus with the American side on the territory of the Donetsk region and on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” Zelenskyy stated, acknowledging that while significant progress has been made, fundamental disagreements remain. He reiterated that many positions have been substantially aligned between Ukraine and the U.S.
Points 14 and 12 of the draft, which address the establishment of free economic zones across the eastern front line and the management of the Zaporizhzhia plant, are expected to be major sticking points in the ongoing negotiations. Zelenskyy remarked, “We are in a situation where the Russians want us to leave the Donetsk region, and the Americans are trying to find a way so that it is 'not a way out' — because we are against leaving.”
The draft stipulates that the current contact line, which traverses five Ukrainian regions, will be frozen upon signing the agreement. Ukraine insists that any attempts to create a free economic zone must be ratified by a referendum, underscoring the importance of the Ukrainian people's decision-making power. This process is projected to take 60 days, during which hostilities should cease to facilitate the transition.
The document also ensures that Ukraine will receive robust security guarantees akin to NATO's Article 5, which would obligate Ukraine's partners to respond in the event of renewed Russian aggression. Zelenskyy mentioned that a separate bilateral document with the U.S. will outline these guarantees, detailing the conditions for security provision and establishing a monitoring mechanism utilizing satellite technology and early warning systems.
The draft includes various provisions, such as maintaining a Ukrainian army of 800,000 during peacetime and establishing a specific timeline for EU accession. Additionally, it proposes rapid acceleration of a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. and seeks to enhance Ukraine's access to the European market.
As part of the broader economic strategy, the agreement aims to attract up to $800 billion in investments through equity, grants, loans, and contributions from the private sector. This funding will prioritize the reconstruction of war-damaged territories and investment in key sectors such as technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence. Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for Ukraine to determine the distribution of these funds in the territories it controls.
Furthermore, the draft stipulates that Ukraine must hold elections following the signing of the agreement, reflecting the partners' vision for democratic governance. Zelenskyy also called for the immediate release of prisoners detained since 2014, including civilians, political prisoners, and children.
As the situation continues to evolve, the outcome of these negotiations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ukraine and its territorial integrity.