CaliToday (17/12/2025): After nearly four years of grinding warfare that has reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that a "very workable" peace plan is on the verge of completion.
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| German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attend a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin, on Dec. 15, 2025. / Credit: Emmanuele Contini / NurPhoto via Getty Images |
Speaking late Monday, Zelenskyy revealed that proposals currently being hammered out with U.S. officials could be finalized within days. The timeline is aggressive: once the ink dries on the draft in Kyiv and Washington, American envoys are expected to present the ultimatum to the Kremlin, setting the stage for high-stakes meetings in the United States next weekend.
The "90 Percent" Deal
According to U.S. officials, consensus between Ukraine, European allies, and Washington has been reached on approximately 90% of the peace framework.
President Trump, signaling a potential foreign policy breakthrough, remarked: "I think we're closer now than we have been, ever" to ending the hostilities.
However, the final 10% represents the most volatile issue of the war: Land and Sovereignty.
The Sticking Point: The "Free Economic Zone" Compromise
The central friction point remains the Donbas (Luhansk and Donetsk regions) and the Crimean Peninsula. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded full recognition of these occupied territories as Russian soil—a condition Zelenskyy has categorically rejected.
In an attempt to break the deadlock, U.S. negotiators have floated a novel concept:
The Proposal: A "Free Economic Zone" in the Donbas.
The Goal: To allow for economic functionality and partial autonomy without formally ceding sovereignty to Moscow.
Zelenskyy’s Red Line: The Ukrainian President was emphatic before his departure to the Netherlands on Tuesday: "I want to stress once again: a 'free economic zone' does not mean under the control of the Russian Federation."
The Kremlin's Skepticism
Moscow has reacted to the surging diplomatic momentum with characteristic caution. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Tuesday that Russia will not entertain a "temporary truce" designed to let the Ukrainian army catch its breath.
"We want to stop this war, achieve our goals, secure our interests, and guarantee peace in Europe for the future," Peskov told reporters. "If Ukraine seeks momentary, unsustainable solutions, we are unlikely to be ready to participate."
Plan B: Diplomacy or Escalation
Zelenskyy made it clear that this diplomatic push is backed by a "hard power" contingency. Ukraine and the U.S. are preparing up to five separate documents, covering everything from economic recovery to long-term security guarantees.
If Putin rejects the diplomatic off-ramp, Zelenskyy warned of immediate consequences:
Enhanced Sanctions: A tightening of the economic noose around Moscow.
Military Escalation: A request for advanced air defense systems and long-range weaponry to strike deeper into Russian territory.
Justice at The Hague
While talking peace, Zelenskyy continues to demand justice. Speaking at the launch of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague, he reminded the world that a ceasefire does not absolve war crimes.
"As long as our people remain in Russian captivity and until the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are brought home, sanctions must limit Russia," Zelenskyy declared.
What comes next: All eyes are now on the upcoming weekend meetings in the U.S., where the finalized proposal will likely be unveiled. U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey described this as a "major moment," suggesting the U.S.-led push is further advanced than at any prior point in the war.