Photo: BBC
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed the specifics of a 10-point peace initiative, potentially marking a significant advancement in efforts to conclude the conflict with Russia. This new proposal, reportedly developed in conjunction with the United States, was presented on Wednesday as a means to halt the hostilities that commenced in February 2022. While agreement has been achieved on numerous aspects during discussions with the US, the issue of territorial integrity remains a point of contention, according to reports. Zelensky indicated that negotiators from Kyiv and Washington have reached a consensus on the plan, which has now been sent to Moscow for their consideration. The Associated Press noted that while many elements have been agreed upon following peace talks with the US, territorial matters are still outstanding. Although Zelensky did not release the full document, he detailed its components to reporters in Kyiv, as reported by AFP. The news agency, having reviewed a draft, stated that this framework will be further enhanced by separate bilateral accords between the US and Ukraine, addressing security assurances and the nation’s post-war rebuilding.
The 20-point plan on Ukraine-Russia ceasefire deal
- Ukraine’s independent status will be reinforced. We affirm that Ukraine is a sovereign nation, and all parties to this accord attest to this fact with their signatures.
- This accord establishes a complete and unqualified pact of non-aggression between Russia and Ukraine. To foster enduring peace, a system for observing the contact line will be put in place, utilizing unmanned, space-based surveillance. This system will ensure prompt alerts of any breaches and facilitate the resolution of disputes. Technical experts will finalize all operational specifics.
- Ukraine will be furnished with robust assurances for its security.
- The Ukrainian military will maintain a strength of 800,000 service members during periods of peace.
- The United States, NATO, and the European nations signing this agreement will extend security assurances to Ukraine that are analogous to Article 5 provisions.
a. Should Russia initiate hostilities against Ukraine, a unified military response will be enacted, alongside the re-imposition of all international sanctions against Russia.
b. If Ukraine were to initiate aggression against Russia or engage Russian territory without provocation, these security assurances would be invalidated. However, if Russia were to initiate hostilities against Ukraine, these security assurances would become active.
c. The possibility of bilateral security commitments within the framework of this agreement is not precluded.
- Russia will officially codify a policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine through all requisite legislation and ratification instruments.
- Ukraine is slated to join the European Union within a predetermined timeframe, and will be granted preferential, short-term access to the European market.
8- A comprehensive international initiative for Ukraine’s long-term growth, to be detailed in a distinct accord focused on investment and future economic well-being. This initiative will encompass a wide spectrum of economic sectors, such as:
a. The creation of a dedicated fund for Ukraine’s development, aimed at channeling investments into rapidly expanding industries like technology, data centers, and artificial intelligence.
b. Collaboration between the United States and American businesses to partner with Ukraine in joint investments for both recovery and the enhancement, modernization, and ongoing management of Ukraine’s gas network, including its transmission lines and storage capabilities.
c. Coordinated actions to rebuild regions impacted by conflict, with the objective of revitalizing, reconstructing, and upgrading urban centers and residential areas.
d. Advancements in infrastructure.
e. The exploration and utilization of mineral and natural resources.
f. The World Bank will offer a specialized financial package to guarantee the necessary funding to expedite these initiatives.
g. A high-level task force will be formed, including the designation of a prominent global financial expert as a prosperity manager, responsible for coordinating the execution of the strategic recovery plan and optimizing prospects for future economic success.
9- Multiple financial mechanisms will be put in place to support Ukraine’s economic revival, the rebuilding of devastated areas, and humanitarian needs.
a. The United States and European nations will establish a joint fund for capital and grants, with a projected value of $200 billion, to facilitate transparent and impactful investments in Ukraine.
b. A diverse array of capital investments and other financial tools will be utilized for Ukraine’s post-conflict reconstruction. International reconstruction bodies will employ strategies to strengthen and streamline these endeavors.
c. Ukraine will adopt leading international practices to draw in foreign direct investment.
d. Ukraine retains its entitlement to seek redress for the harm caused.
10- Upon finalization of this accord, Ukraine will expedite the process of establishing a free trade pact with the United States.
11- Ukraine affirms its commitment to maintaining its status as a non-nuclear state, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
12- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant will be jointly managed by Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.
13- Both nations pledge to implement educational initiatives within schools and throughout society that foster understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures, and that eradicate racism and prejudice. Ukraine will implement European Union regulations concerning religious tolerance and the safeguarding of minority languages.
14- Within the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, the current troop positions as of this agreement’s date are acknowledged as the de facto line of contact.
a. As parties, we de facto acknowledge this as the line of contact – our present positions.
b. A task force will be assembled to determine the troop movements required to end the conflict and to outline the specifications for potential future special economic zones.
c. Once a symmetrical basis for troop repositioning is achieved, international forces will be stationed along the line of contact to oversee adherence to this accord. Any decision to establish such a zone would necessitate specific authorization from the Ukrainian parliament or a public vote.
d. The Russian Federation must withdraw its forces from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions for this agreement to become effective.
e. The parties agree to abide by the regulations, assurances, and commitments set forth in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their supplementary protocols, which are fully applicable to the territory, including universally recognized human rights.
15- Following an agreement on future territorial arrangements, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine commit to refraining from altering these arrangements through the use of force.
16- Russia will not impede Ukraine’s utilization of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea for commercial activities.
17- A committee focused on humanitarian matters will be established to address unresolved issues.
a. All remaining prisoners of war, including those convicted by the Russian judicial system from 2014 to the present, will be subject to an unconditional, all-for-all exchange.
b. Every civilian held captive and every person taken hostage, encompassing minors and those imprisoned for political reasons, shall be released.
c. Steps will be initiated to alleviate the hardships and distress experienced by those affected by the conflict.
18- Following the formalization of this accord, Ukraine is obligated to conduct elections at the earliest feasible opportunity.
19- This accord carries legal force. Its adherence will be overseen and assured by a Peace Council presided over by President Trump. This body will comprise representatives from Ukraine, Europe, NATO, Russia, and the United States. Non-compliance will result in the imposition of penalties.
20- Upon unanimous acceptance of this accord by all involved parties, an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities will commence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin received an update regarding discussions with representatives of President Donald Trump concerning American proposals for a potential resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, and the Kremlin indicated on Wednesday that Moscow would now formulate its stance, according to Reuters.
US President Donald Trump, who has asserted his role in resolving significant global disputes, has frequently stated that achieving an end to the conflict in Ukraine has presented considerable difficulties.
Responding to a query from journalists at the White House on Monday, Trump conveyed his optimism about bringing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to a close, having, by his account, resolved “eight wars.”
Trump remarked on the “immense animosity” existing between President Putin and President Zelenskyy.
