This week, Moscow officially began reviewing a new 20-point peace plan co-authored by the United States and Ukraine, marking the first time Russia has shown openness to a detailed roadmap since the conflict began in early 2022. The draft, delivered to the Kremlin by US special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, aims to chart a path toward ending the offensive that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian officials are analysing the proposal, but Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed media reports of a potential shift in Moscow’s stance as “fake,” accusing outlets of lacking reliable sources close to the Kremlin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a two-hour briefing this week, outlined key concessions won by Kyiv. Among them: the removal of immediate demands for Ukraine to withdraw from the 20 percent of the Donetsk region it controls and the dropping of language that would legally bar Ukraine from seeking NATO membership.
Demilitarized Zones and Contact Lines
The plan proposes establishing demilitarized zones in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions based on current frontlines, effectively recognizing the line of contact “as of the date of this agreement.” It also calls for a working group to negotiate force redeployments and explore special economic zones—an approach aimed at balancing Russia’s security concerns with Ukraine’s sovereignty.
How Russia and the US Are Positioning
Reports suggest that Russia wants additional restrictions on Kyiv’s military capabilities, while the US seeks a framework that avoids full-scale Ukrainian withdrawals. “They are looking for a format that could satisfy both sides,” Zelenskyy said, referring to demilitarized or free economic zones.
Next Steps and Global Impact
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry reported capturing another settlement in southern Zaporizhzhia, underscoring the urgency of a negotiated ceasefire to prevent further civilian suffering and infrastructure damage. With President Trump reportedly brokering the talks and Russian forces pressing forward on multiple fronts, the plan’s fate will depend on whether Moscow is willing to compromise on its long-held territorial demands. As diplomats prepare for further negotiations in the coming weeks, the world is watching to see if this 20-point blueprint can turn the page on a conflict that has reshaped security dynamics across Europe.
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Moscow reviews new 20-point peace plan agreed by US and Ukraine
cgtn.com
