Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has provided details of an updated peace plan that would offer Russia the possible withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the east and the creation of a demilitarized zone in their place.
Detailing the 20-point plan agreed by U.S. and Ukrainian envoys in Florida over the weekend, Zelensky said that the Russians are expected to respond on Wednesday after talks with the Americans.
Describing the plan as “the main framework for ending the war,” he said it proposes security guarantees from the United States, NATO, and European partners for a coordinated military response should Russia invade Ukraine again, reports the BBC.
Regarding the key issue of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, Zelensky said that a “free economic zone” was one possible option.
He told reporters that since Ukraine opposes withdrawal, American negotiators are seeking to establish either a demilitarized zone or a free economic zone. Any area from which Ukrainian troops withdraw would still need to be secured by Ukraine, he emphasized.
“There are two options,” Zelensky said. “Either the war continues, or something will have to be decided regarding all possible economic zones.”
