Kyiv — Ukraine and the United States are close to finalizing a framework of security guarantees and economic arrangements tied to a proposed peace plan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday. Even as Russia rejected a Christmas ceasefire and signaled demands for changes to the emerging deal.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on December 22, Zelenskyy outlined progress on a 20 point plan negotiated with US officials that includes security guarantees involving Ukraine, the United States, and European partners.
While he described the framework as a “tangible step forward,” he cautioned that diplomacy had not reduced the immediate threat from Russian forces.
“There are 20 points of the plan, probably not everything is perfect there, but this plan is there,” Zelenskyy said. “There are security guarantees between us, the Europeans and the United States of America, there is a framework document.”
The proposed 20 point peace plan comes amid more than two years of conflict that has displaced millions and caused widespread destruction across Ukraine.
Moscow’s rejection of a proposed Christmas ceasefire underscores ongoing tensions, even as Kyiv and Washington signal progress toward a potential diplomatic solution.
Zelenskyy said a separate bilateral document with the US, covering security guarantees, is intended for review by the US Congress, and key annexes related to Ukraine’s military needs have largely been agreed upon.
“I saw the first developments, there are almost ninety percent, to be honest, exactly those attachments that are important for us, what our army and Ukraine can count on,” he said, describing the draft as “quite decent.”
Additionally, Zelenskyy said that a preliminary economic agreement on Ukraine’s recovery has been prepared, forming an “economic strategy” that, together with the security documents, constitutes the core of the peace framework.
International security experts say the plan represents a careful balancing act, aiming to address both Ukrainian sovereignty and the strategic concerns of Western partners.
Dr. Marina Kovalenko, a senior fellow at the European Security Institute, said the US Ukraine framework is significant but may face hurdles in Moscow.
“From a diplomatic perspective, the 20 point plan is a clear signal that Washington is willing to codify security guarantees for Kyiv,” Kovalenko said. “The challenge will be Moscow’s willingness to accept constraints on its military ambitions.”
Meanwhile, analysts note that Russia’s insistence on changes may complicate negotiations, particularly on military and territorial clauses.
A Kremlin adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Moscow views the framework as only a starting point and intends to seek revisions before any formal acceptance.
According to independent monitoring groups, Russian forces continue to hold positions in eastern Ukraine and have recently captured a border village in the Sumy region.
Zelenskyy confirmed that dozens of civilians and thirteen Ukrainian soldiers were taken prisoner in the incident. Ukrainian troops refrained from immediate strikes due to the presence of civilians, he said.
The emerging plan reflects a broader trend in US backed European security arrangements, which often include multilateral guarantees and phased economic aid.
Comparable frameworks in the past have emphasized a mix of military assistance, sanctions relief, and reconstruction funding, though success depends on enforcement mechanisms and mutual compliance.
Civilians in frontline areas expressed cautious optimism but remain wary of further hostilities. Olena Petrenko, a teacher in Sumy, said her community hopes for peace but is preparing for potential attacks during the holidays.
“We hear about talks and plans, but we still see shelling in nearby towns,” she said. “Any agreement needs to protect our people immediately, not just on paper.”
Diplomats in Kyiv and Washington emphasize that the finalization of the 20-point plan could take weeks, particularly as Congress reviews security provisions and Russia formulates its position.
Analysts say delays or demands for significant amendments could extend negotiations, leaving both sides vulnerable to continued military clashes.
The Kremlin has indicated that President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the US proposals. Russia’s official response is expected in the coming days, with sources indicating potential demands for additional restrictions on Ukraine’s armed forces.
While the 20 point peace plan represents a structured effort by Ukraine and the United States to establish security guarantees and economic support, Russia’s rejection of a ceasefire and insistence on amendments highlights the complex path ahead.
Negotiators face the challenge of bridging gaps between Kyiv’s expectations and Moscow’s conditions while maintaining international support and safeguarding civilians on the ground.
