Ukraine is prepared to consider creating a demilitarized zone in Donbas as part of an updated peace plan presented to the United States and European partners. The move is seen as a significant concession by Kyiv that could be key to halting the nearly four-year full-scale war.
Le Monde reports that Ukrainian negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak clarified the demilitarized zone would not only involve withdrawing Ukrainian and Russian forces on both sides of the front line, but also include international monitors to enforce compliance. He noted the final parameters of the zone and the scope of weaponry to be pulled back still require legal definition.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed on December 11 that Ukraine is “ready” for territorial concessions. According to sources, Kyiv agrees to a key element of talks with the U.S. and Russia - the creation of a demilitarized zone - endorsed by European partners as a step toward ending the nearly four-year war.
Ukrainian officials stress that the demilitarized area could be monitored by international forces, including the United States, to prevent new acts of aggression by Russia.
“The DMZ should cover both sides of the line of contact, and international observers must ensure strict compliance with the agreements,” Podolyak said.
Ukrainian negotiators say the proposed format resembles the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, established in 1953. At the same time, Ukraine’s zone could potentially be significantly wider and deeper than the Korean one.
Le Monde also says territorial concessions are a difficult decision for Volodymyr Zelensky, as the Kremlin is demanding the transfer of all non-government-controlled areas of Donbas. The president emphasized that any compromise must be “fair” and validated by the Ukrainian people through elections or a referendum.
It is also noted that the document sent to the U.S. contains three key pillars: ending the war, building a European security architecture, and rebuilding Ukraine after the conflict. Special attention is paid to having the aggressor finance reconstruction to avoid a scenario where it benefits from the war without accountability.
“This counterproposal aims to bring Donald Trump back to a more favorable position toward Kyiv and European capitals,” the article says.
Recall that U.S. President Donald Trump expects the leaders of Germany, the United Kingdom and France to pressure Ukraine and Zelensky to accept a plan with territorial concessions and limits on the size of Ukraine’s armed forces.
