Ukraine has indicated it is willing to accept demilitarised zones as part of a possible peace deal to end its war with Russia, marking its most significant concession since the conflict began. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv could turn parts of the Donbas region currently under Ukrainian control into a demilitarised zone, provided Russia also withdraws its forces and agrees to stay out of the area.
The proposal comes as Ukraine faces increasing military pressure from Russia and growing diplomatic pressure from the United States to move towards a ceasefire. Zelenskyy also suggested creating a demilitarised zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest facility, which is currently under Russian control. These ideas form part of a broader 20-point peace plan that Ukraine says has backing from Washington.
Under the plan, Ukraine would not formally recognise Russian control over occupied territories, but may accept a temporary arrangement reflecting realities on the ground. Zelenskyy has stressed that any withdrawal of Ukrainian troops or territorial compromise would require public approval through a national referendum. On NATO membership, Kyiv continues to resist demands from both Moscow and Washington to permanently abandon its ambitions.
So far, Russia has neither accepted nor rejected the proposal. The Kremlin says it is still reviewing the plan without commenting on specific points.
Globally, demilitarised zones have had mixed results. While they have helped prevent large-scale wars in places like the Korean Peninsula and Sinai, they have also failed to stop repeated violations elsewhere. Analysts say Ukraine’s proposal may be aimed as much at shifting diplomatic pressure onto Russia as at guaranteeing lasting peace.
