Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled a comprehensive 20-point peace plan on December 23, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia and which the United States is expected to propose to Russia. This plan encapsulates mutual agreements identified by the United States, Ukraine, and European nations, but it also highlights unresolved issues, particularly concerning control over the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Donetsk Oblast. In addition to the main document, Zelensky disclosed the existence of three supplementary documents, which detail security guarantees for Ukraine and outline a roadmap for its post-war recovery and economic development.
The new 20-point proposal marks a departure from a previous 28-point plan introduced in November 2025. Notably, while the 28-point plan entailed Ukraine’s withdrawal from unoccupied territories and a significant cap on its military forces, the latest plan permits a larger peacetime military and does not explicitly address Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, possibly deferring such discussions to the supplementary documents. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker emphasized that the onus is now on Russia to respond constructively to the new proposals.
However, the Kremlin has exhibited reluctance to compromise. Russian officials have signalled their dissent regarding the fundamental components of the peace plan, reiterating their demands for Ukraine’s full withdrawal from contested regions and complete abandonment of NATO membership. Russian Presidential Aide Yuriy Ushakov even described the Ukrainian and European proposals as “unconstructive” leading up to the release of Zelensky’s plan. The Kremlin’s steadfast position poses challenges to achieving a meaningful compromise.
Adding to the complexities of the situation, Russian military successes have been challenged by their own milbloggers, who have acknowledged significant Ukrainian advances in critical areas like Kupyansk. Reports indicate that Russian forces faced significant losses and criticism from military insiders for misleading claims of battlefield victories. These internal acknowledgments of Russian failures highlight the mounting pressures facing the Kremlin’s military strategy and its operational effectiveness.
On the ground, Russian forces have continued their attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, particularly targeting critical assets in Chernihiv Oblast. Recent strikes involved a high volume of drones, leading to substantial power outages and casualties in various regions, including Kharkiv and Kherson. Such aggressive tactics fit into Russia’s broader strategy of undermining Ukraine’s energy grid, as seen through consecutive strikes across multiple regions.
The outlook for negotiations appears bleak as the Kremlin has not officially responded to the latest proposals. Nevertheless, the persistent efforts towards establishing a framework for peace signify a continued commitment to finding resolutions amid a challenging landscape. While the complexities and current discord may suggest a protracted conflict ahead, the ongoing discussions may offer a glimmer of hope for future negotiations.