Zelensky presented a new peace plan: what has changed and why the Kremlin refuses.

According to ТСН: Ukraine is making a new attempt to take the initiative in peace negotiations regarding the war with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a new peace plan consisting of 20 points. This document, prepared in coordination with American officials, contains significant differences from the October proposals, which, according to Ukraine, encouraged territorial concessions and abandonment of NATO.

The new strategy looks like a reasonable compromise, which is meant to be an alternative to the proposals of Russian and American diplomats.

The essence of the updated 'peace plan'

The main element of Zelensky's plan is security guarantees that are meant to prevent new aggression from Russia, as well as a clear plan for the country's recovery.

The Ukrainian side has put forward specific demands regarding de-occupation:

• Withdrawal of Russian troops from Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.

• Creation of a demilitarized zone in Donetsk region (under the conditions of mutual withdrawal of Russian troops).

• No compromises regarding the ownership of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

However, the Kremlin continues to live in its own world. Vladimir Putin confirmed his ultimatums during the annual press conference: full occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and a categorical refusal of Ukraine's membership in NATO. Moscow is only willing to 'yield' part of the occupied territories that are difficult to hold.

According to sources, Kyiv's new plan is not positively received by Russia. The Kremlin, inspired by minor successes on the front, is not interested in genuine peace. Russian analysts have already dubbed Zelensky's proposals as an attempt to shift the responsibility for the breakdown of negotiations onto Moscow.

‘It's a complete mockery. The idea is clear: to present this to Americans as a 'compromise', and then blame Russia for its failure,’ comment pro-Kremlin experts on the situation.

The main problem for Russia lies in the territorial issue. The plan does not provide for recognition of the occupation, making it unacceptable for Putin, who seeks to present the war to his population as a 'victory.'

The economy is crumbling, but the conveyor of death is working

Experts note that despite bravura statements, the situation in Russia is complicated. The aggressor's economy is in the worst state since 2022: interest rates have reached record highs, and the country is teetering on the brink of recession. Sanctions imposed by the Trump administration are forcing Russia to sell raw materials for next to nothing.

However, the Kremlin continues to replenish human resources for the war. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev announced a plan to recruit 417 thousand new contractors by 2025, allowing Moscow to maintain a slow advance in Donbas, despite significant losses. At current rates, it will take the occupiers another about 18 months to capture the entire Donetsk region.

Why does Putin want negotiations?

Experts believe that Moscow's participation in the negotiations is a facade. Putin has two tactical objectives:

1. To maintain 'working relations' with Washington and avoid new sanctions.

2. To provoke a rift between Ukraine and its Western allies by dragging out the diplomatic tug-of-war.

'For the Kremlin, discussing the peace plan is purely a tactical game with the USA. Putin has no intention of stopping the war against Ukraine and is not ready to even make minor compromises,' political scientists summarize.

Zelensky also noted that following the meeting in Miami, drafts of documents regarding security guarantees, recovery, and a basic framework for ending the war were prepared by representatives of Ukraine and the USA. According to the head of state, these points are aimed at genuinely ending hostilities and preventing a new Russian invasion.

According to experts, Ukraine's peace plan represents a significant step towards restoring control over territory and achieving stability in the region. However, to achieve positive results, active support from international partners is necessary to influence Moscow on the issue of constructive dialogue.