Before the bilateral meeting, which announced that important decisions could be made before the New Year, US President Trump gave a striking assessment of the proposals of Ukrainian leader Zelenski. Trump: “Unless I approve, he has nothing. Let's see what he brings” he said.
While diplomatic efforts, including by the United States, are increasing to end the war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski announced that they have agreed to meet with US President Donald Trump on Sunday. “Many things can be decided before the new year,” Zelenski said. US President Trump responded to his words. Speaking to Politico, Trump directed Zelenski: “He has nothing unless I approve. So let's see what he brings.” he said.
Saying he believes the meeting will go well, the US leader said he expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon.
ZELENSKY ANNOUNCES PEACE PLAN
Mr. Zelenski shared with the public for the first time the 20-article framework peace plan discussed between Ukraine and the United States to end the war with Russia. The Ukrainian leader announced that 90% of the plan was ready before the Trump meeting.
DRAFT PLAN ACCORDING TO WORK ARTICLES
The articles in the draft document published by Zelenski and shared by his office are as follows:
1.Ukraine's sovereignty will be reaffirmed.
2.A full and indisputable non-aggression agreement is expected between Russia and Ukraine. To maintain lasting peace, a monitoring mechanism will be established to monitor communication lines with space-based unmanned surveillance systems, ensuring early detection of violations and dispute resolution.
3. Ukraine will receive strong security guarantees. 4. Ukraine will maintain its armed forces with its current 800,000 soldiers. Previous US drafts envisioned Ukraine reducing the number of its troops.
5.The United States, NATO and European countries will provide security guarantees including mutual defense provisions similar to Article 5 of NATO's founding treaty.
6.Russia will formalize its policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine with all necessary legal provisions and ratifications. This process will be approved by an overwhelming majority in the State Duma.
7.Ukraine will become a member of the European Union on a certain date and will gain privileged access to the European market in the short term.
8.A strong global development package will be provided to Ukraine. This package will be defined by a separate agreement on investment and future prosperity.
9.Various funds will be established for economic recovery, reconstruction of damaged areas and humanitarian issues. The goal is to mobilize $800 billion for Ukraine to reach its full potential.
10.Ukraine will accelerate the process of reaching a free trade agreement with the US. Zelenski said that Washington's position is that if Ukraine is given access to free trade, Russia will offer the same conditions.
11.Ukraine will confirm that it will remain a nuclear-weapon-free state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
12.Zaporizhia nuclear power plant: Zelenski said an agreement has not yet been reached with the US on this power plant, which is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and is located close to the front line, under the control of Russian forces. The US proposal is to create a joint enterprise in which Ukraine, the US and Russia hold equal shares, with the American assuming the role of chief executive officer. Kiev's proposal is to establish a structure with a 50-50 partnership, including only the US and Ukraine. Half of the energy produced is supplied to Ukraine, the other half is allocated independently by the US.
13.Ukraine and Russia will commit to implementing programs aimed at eliminating racism and prejudice, promoting understanding and tolerance of different cultures in the education system and society as a whole. Ukraine will apply EU rules on religious tolerance and protection of minority languages.
14.Land issue: Zelenski believes that this is the most complicated and unresolved issue. Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the areas it still controls in the Donetsk region. On the other hand, Kiev advocates ending clashes on existing front lines. Washington proposes to establish demilitarized zones and free economic zones in the Donetsk region controlled by Ukraine.
15. After reaching an agreement on future territorial arrangements, Russia and Ukraine will commit not to change these agreements by force.
16.Russia will not prevent Ukraine from using the Dinipro River and the Black Sea for commercial purposes. A separate maritime and access agreement covering freedom of navigation and transport will be signed. Cape Kinburn, where Dinipro departs, will be demilitarized.
17.A humanitarian committee will be established to address the following issues:
One)All remaining prisoners of war would be exchanged on an “all for all” basis.
b)All detainees and civilian hostages, including children, will be returned.
c)Arrangements will be made to alleviate the suffering of victims of conflict.
18.Ukraine will hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement is signed.
19.The agreement will be legally binding. Its implementation will be supervised and guaranteed by the Peace Council chaired by President Trump. Ukraine, Europe, NATO, Russia and the US will participate in this mechanism. In case of violation, sanctions will be applied.
20.Once all parties agree on this agreement, a complete ceasefire will take effect immediately.
