Source The Wion news
KYIV/WASHINGTON — In a major shift for the Ukrainian leadership, President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his willingness to put a comprehensive 20-point peace plan to a nationwide referendum. The proposal, however, is contingent on a mandatory 60-day ceasefire to ensure the safety and legitimacy of the vote.
The announcement came during an interview with Axios on Friday and was further detailed in press briefings as Zelensky prepared for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday.
The 20-Point Framework
The proposed peace plan, developed in coordination with the United States and European allies, aims to provide a definitive end to the conflict. While full details are still being finalized, key elements reportedly include:
Security Guarantees: Legally binding pacts with the U.S. and Europe, potentially spanning more than 15 years.
Demilitarized Zones: Proposals for a “free economic zone” in the eastern Donbas region.
Military Constraints: A peacetime cap on Ukraine’s armed forces at 800,000 personnel.
Territorial Decisions: Zelensky acknowledged that “very difficult” decisions regarding occupied territories would require the direct mandate of the Ukrainian people.
The 60-Day Mandate
Zelensky emphasized that a 60-day window is the “minimum” required to organize a democratic plebiscite.
“A referendum requires security, a security infrastructure. This means a ceasefire is necessary… For us, this would take 60 days,” Zelensky stated, noting that without such a pause, the results could be deemed illegitimate if citizens are unable to reach polling stations safely.
International and Russian Reaction
While the U.S. and Ukraine appear “very close” to a finalized framework, the Kremlin’s response has been skeptical. Reports from Moscow indicate that Russian officials understand the logistical need for a ceasefire but are pushing for a significantly shorter timetable.
Senior Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov reportedly characterized the 60-day proposal as a potential tactic to prolong the conflict rather than end it. Conversely, President Trump, following his Sunday meeting with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, expressed optimism, stating that both leaders are “serious about peace.”
