Zelensky Proposes Demilitarised Zones in Updated Ukraine Peace Plan
On the status of the eastern Donbas, the Ukrainian president says a free economic zone remains a possible option as discussions with the United States continue.
Kyiv1 min read
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has moved toward the idea of demilitarised zones in his latest peace proposals. On the question of the eastern Donbas region, he stated that a free economic zone is a potential option.
The comments come as Ukraine and the United States discuss possible frameworks for ending the war. Zelensky has previously rejected any formal cession of territory. The introduction of demilitarised or special economic arrangements offers a different path that stops short of recognising Russian control.
Russian forces continue to press in the east. The capture of the town of Siversk has brought them closer to the remaining fortress-belt cities still held by Ukraine in Donetsk. Ukrainian officials report ongoing shortages of air-defence interceptors, which they say cost civilian lives during recent missile and drone barrages.
Zelensky has discussed the presence of US troops in Ukraine with President Trump. Details of any security guarantees or monitoring arrangements remain under negotiation. European partners continue to supply weapons and training while watching the diplomatic track.
A free economic zone in parts of the Donbas would require agreement on borders, administration, security and access. Previous attempts at special status for the region under the Minsk agreements failed. Any new arrangement would need robust verification mechanisms.
The war has entered its fifth year. Both sides face manpower and equipment constraints. Diplomatic openings remain narrow, yet the explicit mention of demilitarised and economic zones indicates that Kyiv is exploring flexible formulas short of territorial surrender.
