Ukraine peace deal could be finalized within days, Zelensky says

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Stefan Rousseau

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that peace deal proposals to end the nearly four-year invasion could be finalized within days. After discussing a draft plan with American officials in Berlin, Zelensky called it "very workable," with the US reporting 90% consensus from Ukraine and Europe on its contents. However, critical issues remain unresolved, particularly the fate of Ukrainian territory captured by Russian forces.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Monday's talks in Berlin as "productive" but cautioned that the path to peace was "not an entirely straight line." UK Defence Secretary John Healey told a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group that «The US-led push for peace is advancing, and yesterday in Berlin there were signals of a progress in the peace talks which is further advanced than at any time during this war.»

Donald Trump said: «I think we're closer now than we have been, ever.» Zelensky noted late Monday night: «The Americans are trying to find a compromise.» He added: «Overall, there was a demonstration of unity. It was truly positive in the sense that it reflected the unity of the US, Europe, and Ukraine.»

Draft peace plan commitments

The proposed agreement includes an 800,000-troop limit for Ukraine's military, up from a previous draft suggesting 600,000 troops. European leaders and the US agreed to provide "robust security guarantees" and support for Ukraine's economic recovery.

Additional commitments include deployment of a European multinational force in Ukraine, strong support for Ukraine's EU membership, and a legally binding commitment from allies to provide aid if Ukraine is attacked again by Russia. The plan does not mention Ukrainian NATO membership or hard conditions on whether Kyiv should cede territory to Russia.

Territorial dispute remains critical

Zelensky warned on the Donbas region, an economically important area in eastern Ukraine: «They are proposing a "free economic zone" [in the Donbas region]. And I want to stress once again: a "free economic zone" does not mean under the control of the Russian Federation.» Kyiv rules out recognizing Moscow's control over any part of the Donbas.

Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. If Putin rejects diplomatic efforts, Zelensky expects increased Western pressure through tougher sanctions and additional military support. Ukraine would seek enhanced air defence systems and long-range weapons if diplomacy collapses.

Russia's position

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday: «We want peace - we don't want a truce that would give Ukraine a respite and prepare for the continuation of the war.» He stated: «If Ukraine seeks 'momentary, unsustainable solutions, we are unlikely to be ready to participate.'»

Moscow has resisted calls for a ceasefire and strongly opposes any deal deploying NATO troops in Ukraine. Russia repeatedly pushes for Ukraine to give up territory. Despite peace talk developments, Russian forces continue drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, with recent strikes reported in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia and the Dnipropetrovsk region.

UK increases military support

Healey told allied counterparts: «We must step up our support still further, to put pressure on Putin to do a deal, but also to protect the Ukrainians during the winter months.» The UK is committing 600 million pounds for Ukrainian air defence systems, missiles and automated turrets for drone defence.

Healey stated funding would continue to ensure UK troops are «ready to deploy when peace comes, with troops on the ground and jets in the air.» He warned: «And if Putin chooses to continue this war into next year, our message to Moscow is clear, the UDCG will only grow stronger, more united and get even more kit into the hands of Ukrainian fighters during 2026.»

Sir Keir's spokesman told reporters: «We've always said that the first step is to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. I think we're a step closer to that today after this productive meeting yesterday, but we are still at a critical moment in discussions. There is a lot of work to do.»

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).