Ukraine’s president says the United States is now exploring a “special economic zone” in parts of Donetsk as part of a possible compromise in peace talks, Ukrainska Pravda reports. The proposal would involve Ukrainian forces pulling back from territory they currently control and Russian forces agreeing not to enter it.
The proposal comes amid an intense phase of US-led diplomacy aimed at shaping a peace framework, with Washington increasingly advancing ideas that mirror parts of Russia’s position in an effort to bridge the wide gaps between the two sides.
Zelenskyy: concept still vague, Kyiv may refuse
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined the idea during a briefing with journalists in Kyiv on 11 December, citing ongoing negotiations with Washington and growing pressure from the US to find a path toward ending the war. He said the concept is still vague and that Kyiv may not accept it.
Zelenskyy said the US approach envisions Ukrainian troops withdrawing from parts of Donetsk Oblast but Russia not advancing into those areas.
The territory would be designated a “special economic zone,” or what Moscow calls a “demilitarised zone.” He added that Washington has not defined who would govern the area.
He stressed that Kyiv cannot accept a unilateral withdrawal, which Ukraine has consistently opposed because it could give Russia leverage to mount future attacks.
A fair compromise, he said, would require both sides to pull back equal distances under monitored conditions.
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, territory remain key sticking points
Territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remain the two key unresolved issues in the broader talks.
Zelenskyy said one option could involve Russian forces leaving the plant and Ukraine sharing control with the United States, though he acknowledged details are unclear and Moscow may refuse.
Kyiv submits 20-point plan to Washington
The Ukrainian president confirmed that Kyiv has provided Washington with an updated 20-point peace plan and separate documents on security guarantees and reconstruction.
The latest US ideas come after weeks of activity involving American, Ukrainian, Russian and European officials, all trying to shape a framework for potential negotiations.
He said the US is seeking a quicker end to the war but has not set deadlines. Kyiv wants any future framework to begin with an immediate ceasefire, while Russia benefits from delaying one as its forces continue to push slowly along the frontline.
Zelenskyy warns US support may decline
Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine must be careful, noting Kyiv does not know what other arrangements the US and Russia may be discussing directly.
Zelenskyy also voiced concern about future American support. He said that US supplies of weapons and intelligence could eventually decline, and that Washington openly maintains its opposition to Ukraine joining NATO - another factor shaping the talks.
"Everything could still fall apart"
Ukraine and European partners remain doubtful that any Russian promises would hold, citing past ceasefire violations. European leaders continue to push for US involvement in future security guarantees, arguing that only a strong Western role can deter renewed Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy said the question of territory must ultimately be decided by Ukrainians, whether through elections or a referendum. But he cautioned that the outcome of ongoing battles will influence what is even possible.
“The final mile is the hardest,” he said. “Everything could still fall apart.”
