Kyiv Unveils 20-Point Peace Framework; Moscow Response Anticipated by December 24

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a revised 20-point framework for a peace settlement to assembled journalists. This comprehensive document is the culmination of intensive diplomatic efforts, including marathon negotiation sessions held with the United States throughout mid-December, notably those conducted in Florida.

American envoys are scheduled to formally deliver this draft proposal to a representative of the Kremlin on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. President Zelenskyy characterized the new document as a foundational blueprint, noting that it marks a significant evolution from the previous 28-point proposal. Kyiv estimates that this latest iteration incorporates nearly 90 percent of Ukraine’s core demands.

The negotiation process involved key figures on both sides. For the U.S., negotiators included Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov represented Ukraine. The primary objective of these discussions was to formalize the necessary steps toward ending the conflict that erupted following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Central to the new framework are several critical components. The very first point addresses Ukraine's sovereignty, followed immediately by the second point, which outlines an unconditional non-aggression pact. This pact mandates the establishment of a monitoring mechanism along the line of contact, utilizing space-based unmanned aerial surveillance for oversight.

A cornerstone of the agreement involves robust security guarantees, mirroring the structure of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. These guarantees must be provided by the United States, NATO member nations, and signatory European states. The terms stipulate that should Russia initiate renewed aggression, all previously imposed global sanctions would be reinstated, triggering a coordinated military response. Conversely, these guarantees would be nullified if Ukraine were to launch an unprovoked attack on Russian territory.

Regarding defense capabilities, the plan specifies the peacetime strength of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to be capped at 800,000 personnel. Furthermore, Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to a non-nuclear status, adhering strictly to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. To legitimize any territorial compromises requiring a national referendum, a genuine ceasefire must be in effect for a minimum duration of 60 days.

The proposal also sets a timeline for political processes, calling for presidential elections to be held shortly after the ceasefire officially takes effect. However, significant sticking points remain, particularly concerning territorial disputes in the Donetsk region and the status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).

Concerning the ZNPP, the U.S. position suggests a tripartite management structure involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia—a solution President Zelenskyy deemed "not entirely realistic." For the broader agreement to become operational, the draft explicitly requires Russia to withdraw its forces from occupied sectors within the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv oblasts.

The financial aspects of postwar reconstruction are slated to be overseen by a Peace Council, administered by a prosperity administrator appointed with input from President Trump. Ukraine is aiming to secure $800 billion through a mix of equity investment, grants, and contributions from the private sector. Ultimately, the success of this diplomatic endeavor to halt hostilities hinges entirely on the forthcoming response from Moscow, which is expected on December 25, 2025.