Details have emerged regarding a reported 28-point plan proposed by the United States aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held discussions with senior U.S. military officials in Kyiv on Thursday, coinciding with heightened attention on this potential diplomatic initiative. The plan includes key provisions concerning Ukraine’s sovereignty, security guarantees, and economic reintegration of Russia, marking a significant development in peace negotiations.
The proposal, first reported by the British newspaper The Telegraph, has sparked considerable interest among global leaders and analysts. News outlets, including Newsweek, have sought comments from the foreign ministries of both Ukraine and Russia, indicating the plan’s importance on the international stage. The framework outlines various facets of the conflict, aiming to address critical issues such as territorial integrity and military commitments.
Key elements of the proposed plan reaffirm Ukraine’s sovereignty while establishing a comprehensive non-aggression agreement among Russia, Ukraine, and European nations. This agreement seeks to clarify the complex historical ambiguities that have arisen over the past three decades. A commitment from Russia to refrain from further invasions of neighboring countries is also included, along with a pledge from NATO not to expand beyond its current borders.
To facilitate dialogue and mitigate security concerns, the U.S. would play a mediating role between Russia and NATO. This dialogue aims to foster de-escalation and enhance global security while promoting economic cooperation. Furthermore, the plan proposes limiting the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to 600,000 personnel and enshrining in Ukraine’s constitution a commitment not to join NATO. NATO, in turn, would amend its statutes to reflect that Ukraine will not be admitted in the future and would additionally refrain from stationing troops within Ukraine’s borders.
Under this framework, the U.S. would provide security guarantees to Ukraine, specifying the conditions under which these guarantees would be valid or invalid, depending on actions taken by both Ukraine and Russia. The proposal also outlines Ukraine’s eligibility for European Union membership, offering preferential access to the European market.
Central to the plan is a comprehensive reconstruction initiative for Ukraine, which would include the establishment of a Ukraine Development Fund. This fund would facilitate cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine in areas such as gas infrastructure, rehabilitation of war-affected regions, infrastructure development, and extraction of natural resources. The World Bank is expected to create a financing package to expedite these efforts, demonstrating a commitment to Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
Equally significant is the proposal for Russia’s reintegration into the global economy, which includes a phased lifting of sanctions and long-term economic cooperation agreements between the U.S. and Russia. Russia would be invited to rejoin the G8, and a substantial portion of frozen Russian assets, estimated at $100 billion, would be allocated to U.S.-led reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, with the U.S. receiving a share of the profits. An additional $100 billion from European funds would further enhance investments in Ukraine’s recovery.
To ensure compliance with the agreement, a joint American-Russian working group on security issues would be established. Russia would be required to legally commit to a non-aggression policy toward both Europe and Ukraine, while the U.S. and Russia would extend the validity of treaties concerning nuclear non-proliferation and control.
The plan addresses the management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, proposing that it operate under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Electricity generated at the plant would be shared equally between Russia and Ukraine, with both parties responsible for maintaining the safety of nuclear facilities and adhering to international safety standards.
This comprehensive 28-point plan represents a concerted effort to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by the war in Ukraine. It aims to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace settlement, addressing military, economic, and international relations concerns that have arisen throughout the conflict. As discussions continue, the potential impact of this proposal on the future of Ukraine and its relations with Russia remains a focal point for global observers.
