German media: Zelenskyy unveils the new 20-point peace proposal, what are the unresolved differences?
The newly announced 20-point peace plan is a revision of the 28-point proposal put forward by the United States in November. European and Ukrainian leaders at the time felt that the original proposal was too compromising towards Russia. Kyiv has secured some concessions in the new version. However, consensus remains difficult to reach on two key issues.
This Wednesday, December 24, major news agencies reported that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced the 20-point content of the latest Ukraine-US "peace plan" draft during a press conference on Tuesday evening.
What does the new 20-point peace plan include?
Ukrainian sovereignty will be confirmed by all signatories, including the signing of a comprehensive, unconditional mutual non-aggression agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
To maintain long-term peace, a monitoring mechanism will be established to monitor the situation along the contact line. This mechanism will use space-based monitoring systems and violation warning systems.
The United States, NATO, and European countries will provide Kyiv with strong security guarantees, the content of which will be comparable to Article 5 of the NATO collective defense clause.
Ukraine will maintain its current military force size of 800,000 troops. The U.S. proposal previously required Ukraine to reduce its military forces.
Russia will formally establish a legally binding policy of non-aggression against Europe and Ukraine in all necessary domestic legislation, which must be passed by an absolute majority in the Russian State Duma.
Russia must not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnipro River and the Black Sea for commercial purposes.
All remaining prisoners of war will be exchanged according to the "All for All" principle, and all civilian detainees and hostages will be released.
After the agreement is signed, Ukraine must hold elections as soon as possible.
A peace commission chaired by former U.S. President Trump will oversee and ensure the implementation of this legally binding agreement. Ukraine, Europe, NATO, Russia, and the United States will all be members of this mechanism. Sanctions will be imposed if there is a violation.
What are the main unresolved differences?
The two most likely issues that could hinder the progress of peace negotiations are:
Control over the territory in eastern Ukraine, and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
The new proposal states that only after these two sensitive issues are resolved can the ceasefire take effect.
Regarding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Zelenskyy said: Ukraine has not yet reached an agreement with the United States on who will control and operate Europe's largest nuclear power plant. The plant is near the front lines but located in an area controlled by Russian forces.
Zelenskyy said that the initial U.S. proposal envisioned the plant being operated jointly by Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
Kyiv hopes that Ukraine and Washington each have half control over the nuclear power plant.
Regarding the issue of eastern Ukrainian territory, Zelenskyy said: This is the most complex issue in the negotiations, and it remains unresolved.
Moscow demands that Kyiv withdraw all forces from the entire region, including areas currently under Ukrainian control.
Ukraine hopes to "freeze" the fighting along the current frontline.
The U.S. suggests establishing a demilitarized zone and a free economic zone in certain parts of Donetsk that are still under Kyiv's control.
Trump will make the final decision on core issues
Zelenskyy hinted that the new draft may eventually lead to Ukraine withdrawing from Donetsk after the establishment of a demilitarized zone.
"This is a framework document, a foundational political document about ending the war involving us, the U.S., Europe, and Russia," Zelenskyy said.
But he also emphasized that "the most sensitive issues" must be discussed with U.S. President Trump.
"Issues such as territorial matters must be discussed at the leadership level," Zelenskyy added.
Zelenskyy introduced the new draft during a two-hour press conference on Tuesday evening, and his remarks were prohibited from being publicly released until Wednesday morning.
Key elements previously opposed by Ukraine have been revised in the original proposal, including the requirement for Kyiv to immediately withdraw from the eastern part of Donetsk and abandon its application to join NATO. In addition, according to the new proposal, territories currently occupied by Moscow will not be recognized as Russian territory.
Kremlin: Putin has been informed of the revised draft
Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said on Wednesday that Russia's requirements for peace have not changed, but also pointed out that the Moscow leadership will consult before making a response.
"The main parameters of Russia's position are very clear to the U.S.," Peskov told reporters.
"We will form our further position based on the information reported to the head of state, and continue the contact as soon as possible," he said.
Russian officials also confirmed that Putin has received reports on recent meetings between his envoys and the U.S. President Trump's special envoy regarding the end of the war in Ukraine.
Source: DW
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852431949961219/
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