Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to place a draft 20-point peace framework at the centre of high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, in what could become the most comprehensive attempt yet to outline an end to the war with Russia. According to Reuters, Zelensky has said the proposal could form the basis of a future agreement, even as key disagreements with Washington and Moscow remain unresolved.
In a related development, Donald Trump reportedly held a 1 hour 15-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his meeting with Zelensky. According to sources, Trump expressed confidence that Russia is seeking a political and diplomatic settlement, and both leaders agreed to speak again after Trump’s discussions with the Ukrainian president, signaling ongoing behind-the-scenes coordination ahead of potential progress on the 20-point framework.
The plan follows weeks of negotiations to revise an earlier 28-point draft that Kyiv believed leaned too heavily toward Russian demands. Zelensky said this week that positions had been significantly narrowed, though consensus has not yet been reached on two of the most sensitive issues: territorial control and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Both issues are expected to be discussed directly with Trump.
At its core, the proposal reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty and calls for a full, unquestionable non-aggression agreement between Russia and Ukraine. It envisages a long-term peace backed by a monitoring mechanism using space-based unmanned systems to oversee the line of contact, provide early warning of violations and help resolve disputes before they escalate.
Security is a central pillar of the plan. Ukraine would receive robust guarantees from the United States, NATO and European countries that mirror NATO’s Article 5 mutual-defence clause, while maintaining its armed forces at their current strength of around 800,000 personnel. This marks a departure from earlier U.S. proposals that had called for a reduction in Ukraine’s military size. Russia, for its part, would formalise a policy of non-aggression toward Ukraine and Europe through binding legislation ratified by a large majority in its parliament.
The framework also lays out Ukraine’s economic and political future. It sets a defined date for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, alongside short-term preferential access to EU markets. A separate global development agreement would underpin investment and future prosperity, while multiple funds would be created to support economic recovery, reconstruction and humanitarian needs, with a target of mobilising up to $800 billion.
Trade and nuclear issues are also addressed. Ukraine would accelerate efforts to conclude a free-trade agreement with the United States, although Zelensky noted Washington has indicated it would seek to offer similar terms to Russia if it grants Ukraine free trade access. Ukraine would reaffirm its status as a non-nuclear state under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
One of the most complex and unresolved points concerns the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which lies near the front line in Russian-controlled territory. Reuters reported that the U.S. has proposed joint operation by Ukraine, the United States and Russia, with equal stakes and American management. Kyiv, however, has countered with a proposal for a joint venture involving only Ukraine and the United States, splitting the energy output between them.
Territorial arrangements remain the thorniest issue. Russia wants Ukrainian forces to withdraw from areas they still control in the eastern Donetsk region, while Kyiv insists that fighting should stop along current battle lines. The U.S. has floated ideas including demilitarised zones and a free economic zone in Ukrainian-held parts of Donetsk. Once any territorial settlement is reached, both sides would commit not to change it by force.
The proposal also includes provisions aimed at long-term reconciliation and stability. Ukraine and Russia would commit to educational programmes promoting tolerance and eliminating racism and prejudice, with Ukraine implementing EU rules on religious tolerance and minority language protections. Russia would guarantee Ukraine’s access to the Dnipro River and the Black Sea for commercial use, with separate maritime and access agreements and the demilitarisation of the Kinburn Spit.
Humanitarian measures form another major component. A dedicated committee would oversee the exchange of all remaining prisoners of war on an “all for all” basis, the return of all civilian detainees and hostages including children, and steps to address the suffering of conflict victims. Ukraine would also be required to hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement is signed.
Under the draft, the agreement would be legally binding and overseen by a Peace Council chaired by President Trump, with participation from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, Europe and NATO. Sanctions would be imposed in the event of violations. Once all parties agree to the terms, a full ceasefire would take effect immediately, marking what Zelensky hopes could be the beginning of an end to the war, Reuters reported.
