According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a new proposal has come from the United States to unblock the stalled negotiations on ending the war. Washington is reportedly demanding that Ukraine withdraw its troops from Donbas, while a „free economic zone“ would be created in the areas currently under Kyiv's control. American negotiators have also promised that Russian forces would not move into these territories after Ukraine's withdrawal.
During a meeting with journalists in Kyiv, Zelensky stated that the United States had previously suggested the possibility of completely handing over the remaining part of Donbas to Moscow. The new proposal is supposed to be a compromise, but according to the Ukrainian president, it is very unclear who would administer such a zone and what would guarantee its security. If one side gave in and the other remained unchanged, Zelensky believes there would be a fundamental risk that Russian troops – possibly even in civilian disguise – would simply enter the area and take control of it.
Ukraine therefore insists on guarantees that would prevent any Russian advance after Ukraine's withdrawal. The president also pointed out that any agreement would have to be approved by elections or a referendum, as only the Ukrainian people can decide on territorial concessions.
According to the American concept presented, Ukraine would vacate Donbas, while the front line in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions would be frozen. Moscow would only give up small enclaves in other regions. However, negotiations have long been complicated by pressure from the American president. Donald Trump, who criticises Zelensky and claims that he has not even read the draft agreement.
Nevertheless, Zelensky announced that Kyiv had sent Washington a revised version of its position, with the issues of territory and future control of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant remaining particularly contentious. According to him, the negotiations are a living process that is constantly evolving.
However, a fundamental doubt remains on the Russian side: whether it is Vladimir Putin really ready to sign the agreement, or is he just waiting so that he can continue his offensive over the winter. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned in Berlin on the same day that if Russia achieved its goals in Ukraine, the risk of a wider conflict in Europe would increase dramatically.
Meanwhile, some European politicians believe that Ukraine may be forced to accept difficult compromises in the future. However, the leaders of France, Britain and Germany have assured Zelensky that only Kyiv can decide on territorial issues. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that after years of sacrifice, Ukrainians would not accept an imposed peace.
In western Ukraine Lviv At the same time, negotiations were underway between Ukraine and EU representatives on the next steps towards membership, while the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán continues to block the formal opening of accession talks.
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