Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed on Thursday that the United States has put forward a proposal to establish a demilitarized special economic zone in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the war.

During a meeting with journalists in Kyiv, Zelensky outlined key elements of the American offer, which presents a complex set of potential territorial compromises. According to the proposal, the Ukrainian Armed Forces would withdraw from the territory of Donetsk region, with the compromise being that Russian forces would not enter the vacated area.

"The proposed compromise is that the Russian Armed Forces would not enter this area," Zelensky stated, confirming that the status of Donetsk remains one of the main contentious issues in talks with American officials.

The U.S. plan involves an asymmetric approach to troop withdrawals. According to Zelensky’s account, Russian forces might not be required to pull back from the currently occupied regions of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. In exchange, however, the proposal stipulates a mandatory Russian withdrawal from the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy, where Ukrainian forces have made significant advances in recent months.

Another critical point of negotiation, the President confirmed, is the future status of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under Russian control.

Emphasizing the gravity of any potential territorial compromises, President Zelensky asserted that the final decision must rest with the Ukrainian people. He declared that any concessions regarding the country’s borders must be subjected to a nationwide discussion and direct vote.

"I believe that the Ukrainian people must answer this question," Zelensky said. "Whether through elections or a referendum, the position of the Ukrainian people must be expressed."

In a related development, Zelensky announced he had held detailed discussions with U.S. officials regarding potential American security guarantees for Ukraine. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the President described a "constructive and detailed conversation" with the American side.

The high-level phone call reportedly included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and advisor to former President Donald Trump.

"A clearer understanding of security guarantees will emerge in the near future," Zelensky noted, indicating that talks on this crucial aspect of post-conflict arrangements are advancing.

The revelation of these negotiation points underscores the delicate and high-stakes diplomacy underway as international efforts to broker a cessation of hostilities continue. The proposal, balancing territorial compromises with security assurances, is poised to spark intense debate within Ukraine and among its international partners. (ILKHA)