Zelensky presented his proposal for ending the war, 'passed the ball to the Russian side'

(Patria) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is ready for concessions in peace talks with Moscow, presenting details of a draft agreement that, according to him, could become the basis for ending the war.

This, according to sources close to the negotiations, means "the ball has been passed to the Russian side".

In an unusually open conversation with journalists, Zelensky presented a shortened 20-point plan, derived from an earlier 28-point proposal that the US had already discussed with Russia.

He described the document as a political framework between Ukraine, the US, Europe, and Russia. Moscow's response is expected after the American side consults with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The most sensitive issue remains territory. Kyiv proposes a mutual withdrawal of forces and the establishment of a demilitarized zone along part of the front line in the Donetsk region, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

Zelensky clarified that, depending on the agreement (5, 10, or 40 kilometers), both sides would withdraw an equal distance from the current lines, CNN reports.

Putin had previously stated that Ukraine must cede the entire Donetsk region for a peace plan to be possible.

Among the key points of the draft are:
‣ confirmation of Ukraine's sovereignty and a non-aggression pact;
‣ security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European countries that would "mirror Article 5", with a military response and the return of sanctions if Russia attacks again - guarantees would be withdrawn if Ukraine attacks Russian territory first without provocation;
‣ a complete ceasefire that would take effect immediately upon agreement;
‣ withdrawal of Russian forces from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions;
‣ a legally binding agreement overseen by a Peace Council, chaired by Donald Trump.

The plan also envisages a post-war recovery package, the establishment of a Ukrainian Development Fund for investments in technology, data centers, artificial intelligence, and the gas sector.

Zelensky estimates total war losses at $800 billion.

He also raised the issue of referendums to formalize the end of the war.

He emphasized that at least 60 days of a real ceasefire are needed for a referendum to be legitimate and that residents of areas under Russian control cannot participate in a fair vote.

Elections, he recalled, cannot be held under martial law, which parliament has extended since the invasion.