A crucial moment for the Ukraine peace plan

Kyiv [Ukraine], December 18: The Associated Press reported on December 17th that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said proposals being negotiated with US officials for an agreement to end the conflict with Russia could be finalized in the next few days. Following this, US envoys would travel to the Kremlin, before further meetings could take place in the US later this week.
The U.S. and its allies have drafted a security plan for Ukraine , a key element in a broader agreement aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia and ending hostilities. According to The New York Times , U.S. and European diplomats recently met with Ukrainian leaders and largely agreed on two documents outlining future security guarantees. These documents form the basis for a broader agreement, as well as aiming to persuade Ukraine to cede some territory and formally abandon its intention to join NATO . According to a U.S. official, the documents specify how U.S. and European forces will cooperate with their Ukrainian counterparts to deter Russia in the future. A key point in the plan is maintaining the size of the Ukrainian military at a "peaceful level" of 800,000 soldiers, with updated training and equipment.
Furthermore, the documents also mention the establishment of a European-led military mission operating in Ukraine to ensure the security of its airspace and seas. These troops are expected to be deployed to western Ukraine, far from the potential ceasefire line. In an interview with ZDF, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the security proposal also includes the possibility of peacekeeping forces repelling Russian troops in specific situations.
Waiting for the parties to make a move.
President Zelensky stated that the latest draft agreement is "not perfect but very feasible." However, NBC News reported on December 17th, citing analysts, that despite the strong security guarantees the U.S. has offered Ukraine the security guarantees it seeks, the territorial issue in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine remains a key factor. The U.S. has proposed that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the region, while Kyiv has stated it has "no right" to allow territorial concessions. Speaking to reporters, a U.S. official said the security guarantees are "the biggest victory to date for Ukraine and Europe," while warning that these proposals "will not remain on the negotiating table forever." The official added that the U.S. believes Russia will accept the final agreement.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had not received any information about the results of negotiations on the Ukraine issue between Kyiv and the West, according to TASS. Responding to a question about when the next round of talks involving Russia would take place, Peskov said Moscow "needs to see how things develop first." Earlier, Peskov stated that Russia wants a comprehensive peace agreement that ends hostilities, achieves objectives, and guarantees interests and future peace in Europe.
Source: Thanh Nien