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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forward a new proposal to end the Ukraine War, rekindling hopes of a peace deal on the horizon.
With little time left before Donald Trump returns to the presidency of the United States, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky presented this Monday (9) yet another proposal to try to end the war in Ukraine that has devastated his country for almost three years.
The new plan envisages maintaining the current front lines and the entry of foreign forces into Ukrainian territory, even without Kiev joining NATO.
The idea, however, faces predictable resistance from Russia and Western powers. The proposal comes shortly after the rejection of a version previous, which suggested Ukraine's partial entry into NATO, considering only the 80% of the territory that Kiev currently controls. The military alliance responded coolly, choosing to continue arming Ukrainian forces.
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In addition, Washington has pressured Kiev to expand military conscription, suggesting that the minimum age for conscription be lowered from 25 to 18. Zelensky's government, for its part, is trying to balance military survival with preserving its young population.
An international impasse
The main obstacle to Zelensky's plan is the possibility of NATO's indirect involvement in the conflict. If foreign forces, even if not officially linked to the alliance, enter Ukrainian territory, the gesture could be interpreted by Vladimir Putin as a declaration of war.
Similar ideas have been discussed previously by France and Poland, but NATO’s mutual defense clause, which could drag all its members into conflict, has scuppered those plans. Now, France may have influenced Zelensky to resume the approach, following meetings with leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, the German opposition leader.
On Sunday (8), Zelensky was in Paris with Macron and former President Donald Trump, during the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Trump, who has adopted a critical stance towards the war in Ukraine, called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to end the conflict. Despite the American position, his statements suggest pressure on Ukraine to give in more to the Russians.
A diplomatic turn
Zelensky’s proposal signals a significant shift in his approach. Last week, he had already admitted the possibility of giving up territory in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Previously, such an idea had been unacceptable to the Ukrainian leader.
“We want this war to end more than anyone else. A diplomatic solution would save many lives,” Zelensky said. He also stressed the importance of clear deadlines for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and NATO, should the proposal be considered.
Still, Moscow’s position remains adamant. Putin is demanding that Kiev cede all territories annexed by Russia in 2022, commit to neutrality and disarm its armed forces. These extreme conditions make an agreement along the lines suggested by Zelensky unlikely.
Unfavorable military scenario
Russia continues to advance in eastern Ukraine, especially in the Donetsk region. This scenario strengthens Putin's position and weakens Zelensky's negotiating margin. With Russian troops gaining ground, the war seems far from having a favorable outcome for Kiev.
Still, the two sides are maintaining indirect dialogue. Meetings between emissaries have taken place in places like Doha, suggesting that there is at least a minimal willingness to talk. However, without mutual concessions, the conflict remains without a solution in sight.
What's next in the Ukraine War?
With Trump likely to take office soon, new variables could play into the picture. The former president has already indicated he will seek a quick resolution to the war, which could mean more pressure on Zelensky to accept Russian terms.
Zelensky’s stance shows signs of fatigue, but also an attempt to preserve what remains of Ukrainian sovereignty. The path to ending the war, however, increasingly seems conditioned by a stark choice: ceding territory or prolonging a devastating conflict.
Time is running out for Kiev, but it is also challenging Moscow’s ability to sustain its advances. Meanwhile, the war remains one of the greatest geopolitical challenges of the century, with no clear winner in sight.
