Zelensky Sends Updated 20-Point Peace Plan to U.S., Opens Door to Referendum on Territorial Concessions

Overview

• Zelensky said any territorial concession would require approval by voters through elections or a referendum, with the constitution preventing automatic transfer of land.
• The submission outlines terms for peace, security guarantees, postwar reconstruction, and a force structure that could reach 800,000 soldiers.
• He insisted Ukraine will not accept Russia taking all of Donbas, as the Kremlin continues to demand Ukrainian withdrawals from parts of the region.
• Zelensky noted that U.S. interlocutors discussed a potential free economic zone in parts of eastern Ukraine tied to possible troop withdrawals.
• Allies are assessing the latest draft this week, with European leaders including Germany’s Friedrich Merz expressing guarded optimism and a coalition of willing states convening to discuss the negotiations.