News|Russia-Ukraine warZelenskyy says US seeking ‘free economic zone’ in eastern UkraineUkraine leader says US wants zone as buffer between armies, underlining that referendum needed for any land schemes.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine submitted a 20-point counter-proposal to the United States concerning peace negotiations. The proposal addresses security guarantees and emphasizes that any territorial concessions should be…
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine submitted a 20-point counter-proposal to the United States concerning peace negotiations. The proposal addresses security guarantees and emphasizes that any territorial concessions should be subject to a referendum in Ukraine.
The United States has proposed the establishment of a "free economic zone" in the Kyiv-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, which are currently contested by Moscow. This proposal involves Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donetsk region, while Russian forces would refrain from entering the vacated areas. The US describes this as an "economic free zone," whereas Russia refers to it as a "demilitarised zone."
Ukraine is under pressure to reach a peace agreement with Russia, with reports suggesting a US push for a resolution by Christmas. The peace plan includes a 20-point framework focusing on security guarantees and reconstruction efforts. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for "concrete answers" to ensure actions are taken if Russia resumes aggression.
During recent discussions with US officials, including Secretary Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Zelenskyy highlighted the critical nature of security guarantees for future steps. The framework's specifics, particularly regarding the governance of the Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, remain undisclosed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine submitted a 20-point counter-proposal to the United States concerning peace negotiations.
NATO chief Mark Rutte warned of potential Russian military threats within five years, urging increased defense spending. Concurrently, the European Union is exploring the use of approximately 200 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. The EU is considering a mechanism to maintain asset freezes without biannual renewals.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that Russian forces hold the "strategic initiative" in current battles. Reports indicate that Russian troops have targeted Siversk in the Donetsk region, although Ukrainian forces contest these claims, stating continued resistance.
Ukraine conducted significant drone operations, targeting Russian facilities, including an oil rig in the Caspian Sea, reportedly halting extraction activities. Furthermore, Ukraine's actions temporarily disrupted operations at Moscow airports.
President Zelenskyy has expressed the necessity of a ceasefire to facilitate elections in Ukraine, amidst external pressure to conduct a vote. Discussions involving various international leaders continue, with potential meetings planned to further explore peace strategies.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.