Shaun
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signalled a major movement towards a 20-point peace plan as Kyiv, the US, and Europe enter a “critical moment” in negotiations, amid Trump’s pressure, deadlines, and rising diplomatic tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that an important breakthrough on ending the Russia-Ukraine war could be just days away, saying “This week may bring news for all of us, and for bringing the bloodshed to an end.” As Kyiv, Washington, and important European allies enter what Downing Street has referred to as a “critical moment” in the peace process, his comments have heightened expectations around the world.
Talks and Key Points of the Peace Plan
Zelenskyy said that discussions on a draft peace proposal to end the war with Russia will take place between his officials and the United States on December 10, this year. The talks coincide with an increase in diplomatic activity, European countries in the “Coalition of the Willing” are scheduled to meet virtually tomorrow, and President Donald Trump discussed Ukraine with the presidents of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany today.
In a detailed post on Telegram, Zelenskyy revealed the most concrete update yet on the peace plan. “We are finalizing work on the 20 points of a fundamental document that could define the parameters for ending the war, and we expect to deliver this document to the United States in the near future following our joint work with President Trump’s team and partners in Europe.” Reiterating his optimism, he added, “This week may bring news for all of us – and for bringing the bloodshed to an end.” He also stressed, “We believe that peace has no alternative.”
Zelenskyy said he was working “very actively” with European partners to shape the final proposal.
“We are working very productively [with the Coalition of the Willing] to guarantee future security and prevent a recurrence of Russian aggression,” he wrote.
Tensions, Deadlines, and High-Stakes Diplomacy
The peace negotiations have also seen tensions, with US President Donald Trump claiming on Sunday that Zelenskyy “isn’t ready” to sign off on a US-authored peace proposal. Following the conclusion of three days of negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials on Saturday, December 6, with the goal of reducing differences on the White House plan, Trump criticised the Ukrainian leader. Trump said Zelenskyy is preventing the negotiations from proceeding.
To be certain, Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn’t publicly voiced approval for the White House plan. In fact, even though the initial draft strongly favored Moscow, Putin stated last week that parts of Trump’s proposal were impractical.
His remarks coincide with rumors that Donald Trump has secretly granted Zelenskyy till Christmas to agree to a peace agreement. According to those familiar with the conversation, US peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff delivered the ultimatum during a two-hour phone chat last week. In an interview with Politico on Monday, Trump again called European officials “weak” for not reaching a peace deal sooner.
The government acknowledged that the UK Prime Minister discussed the ongoing negotiations with Trump and the leaders of France and Germany, highlighting the current urgency of the process.
Zelenskyy has also stated that if partners can ensure security during times of war, he is open to holding elections, something Ukraine has not done since the start of the conflict.
