In a dramatic shift that could reshape peace negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated he would be willing to withdraw troops from parts of eastern Ukraine's industrial heartland if Russia does the same, marking the first time Kyiv has moved toward any compromise on the contentious territory issue in the Donbas region.
The proposal, presented to international mediators on December 24, 2025, would create a demilitarized zone in disputed areas of the Donbas under international supervision. Zelensky emphasized that any arrangement would require Russian forces to withdraw simultaneously and that international peacekeeping forces would need to monitor the buffer zone to prevent violations.
This represents a significant evolution in Ukraine's negotiating position. Previously, Kyiv had insisted on the complete restoration of its 1991 borders before any ceasefire could be considered. The new flexibility comes as Ukraine faces continued pressure on the battlefield and growing calls from Western allies for a diplomatic resolution to the nearly four-year conflict.
The Kremlin has not officially responded to the proposal, though Russian officials have previously demanded Ukraine accept the loss of four regions Moscow claims to have annexed. Analysts suggest the proposal puts the ball firmly in Putin's court, testing whether Russia is genuinely interested in ending the conflict or merely seeking to consolidate territorial gains.
International reaction has been cautiously optimistic, with European leaders welcoming the proposal as a potential breakthrough while emphasizing that any peace agreement must respect Ukrainian sovereignty and include security guarantees to prevent future aggression.
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