Illustration for: Ukraine Nears Completion of Peace Proposal for Russia, President Says
AI-generated illustration. Visual interpretation does not represent real individuals or scenes.

Ukraine Nears Completion of Peace Proposal for Russia, President Says

2025-12-16

The BareStory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that a "very workable" peace plan to end the war with Russia is being negotiated and could be finalized within days. According to the Ukrainian president, the proposal, developed with U.S. officials, could soon be presented to the Kremlin.

Despite the progress, Zelenskyy acknowledged that key issues are not yet resolved, identifying the status of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia as a significant obstacle. He stated that Kyiv will not recognize Moscow's control over any part of the Donbas region. One summary noted that a resolution is complicated by Russian President Vladimir Putin's desire for the recognition of seized territories in four regions, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, as Russian.

According to U.S. officials, there is about 90% consensus from Ukraine and Europe on a U.S.-authored plan. In a statement, President Trump said the parties are "closer than ever to a settlement." Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia seeks a "comprehensive peace deal," not a temporary truce that would allow Ukraine to re-arm, and that Moscow intends to achieve its goals and secure its interests.

Zelenskyy warned that if Russia rejects the diplomatic effort, Ukraine anticipates increased Western pressure on Moscow. This could include, he said, tougher sanctions and additional military aid, such as enhanced air defense systems and long-range weapons. He also called for sanctions to remain until Russia returns captives and for accountability for alleged war crimes.

Left Perspective

  • A workable peace plan is nearly ready for presentation.
  • The nation's territorial integrity is a non-negotiable point.
  • Russia will face increased pressure if it rejects diplomacy.

Right Perspective

  • Moscow seeks a comprehensive peace, not a temporary truce.
  • The status of seized territories is central to a resolution.
  • Russia is determined to achieve its strategic goals.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• If the peace plan is rejected, the U.S. may increase military aid to Ukraine, which could impact government spending on weapons and defense systems.

• A diplomatic failure might also lead to tougher U.S. sanctions on Russia, potentially affecting global markets and some American economic interests.

• A successful peace agreement could reduce the need for future U.S. financial aid, potentially stabilizing markets by decreasing geopolitical uncertainty.

Read the story at