Post by : Rameen Ariff

Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consented to evaluate a proposed 28-point peace initiative from the United States and Russia, aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This draft, officially provided by Washington, encompasses terms that would necessitate Kyiv to make considerable concessions, which some Ukrainian officials have labeled as unacceptable.

This initiative emerges after four years of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, striving to rejuvenate diplomatic endeavors for a ceasefire. Ukrainian and US representatives noted that discussions will ensue in the coming days between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. Zelensky has made it clear that any arrangement must safeguard the interests of the Ukrainian populace and ensure a fair resolution to the conflict.

The 28-point initiative addresses various elements of the ongoing war and the post-war scenario. It reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty while suggesting the recognition of certain territories, including Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, as being under Russian dominance. Furthermore, Ukraine would need to scale back its military size, conduct elections within 100 days, and forgo any future NATO aspirations.

According to the plan, Ukraine would receive security assurances from the United States, albeit with a requirement for reimbursement for these commitments. The economic framework includes a lasting US-Russia partnership focused on Ukraine’s reconstruction, proposing that $100 billion in frozen Russian assets be allocated for the nation's rebuilding efforts, with the US also taking a 50 percent share of the profits from this project.

Key points outlined in the plan include:

1. Affirmation of Ukraine's sovereignty.
2. A non-aggression pact among Russia, Ukraine, and Europe to resolve historical disputes.
3. Commitment from Russia not to invade its neighbors, alongside a halt to NATO's expansion.
4. US-mediated security dialogues between Russia and NATO.
5. Provision of explicit security guarantees from the US to Ukraine.
6. Capping the size of Ukrainian armed forces at 600,000 personnel.
7. Ukraine’s legal non-alignment with NATO, recognized by NATO itself.
8. Deployment of European fighter aircraft to Poland.
9. Phased reinstatement of Russia’s participation in the global economy and gradual lifting of sanctions.
10. Utilization of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's rebuilding through joint investments with the US.
11. Implementation of humanitarian measures, which include prisoner swaps and family reunifications.
12. Elections in Ukraine within 100 days of the agreement.
13. Granting amnesty to both parties for war-related conduct, making the agreement legally binding.
14. A ceasefire will commence immediately upon mutual retreat to agreed positions following consensus on all terms.

This plan draws on previous ceasefire agreements and underscores the necessity for international oversight, including monitoring by a Peace Council spearheaded by President Trump. Ukrainian representatives have emphasized that their review of the proposals prioritizes the security, sovereignty, and welfare of their people.

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