Zelensky outlines three-point peace framework with US envoys including buffer zone

Framework for a negotiated settlement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Kyiv, working in coordination with partners in the United States and Europe, has drafted a peace framework intended to end the war with Russia. Speaking to journalists in remarks carried by the Ukrinform news agency, Zelensky explained that the document summarizes extensive discussions conducted between American, Ukrainian, and Russian delegates. The outline was coordinated with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff into a unified document addressing the practical avenues for concluding the conflict.

The framework rests on three primary pillars. The first and fundamental requirement is the establishment of a ceasefire across active combat sectors. The second element, originally submitted by the US delegation, calls for the creation of a buffer strip configured as a free economic zone. Under this arrangement, Ukrainian and Russian military forces would execute mirrored retreats from frontline positions, placing the resulting zone under administrative oversight led by an independent third party. The third element defines reciprocal obligations, detailing what steps the European Union and NATO will take alongside the commitments Ukraine must deliver.

These are ideas shared by the Americans, the Europeans, and are the result of concluded talks between the Americans, us and the Russians. In my view, there is something realistic in all this.

Diplomatic schedule and multilateral talks

According to Zelensky, partners reacted favorably to the initial terms, with none of the consulted governments voicing opposition. The US administration retains further proposals that American officials plan to present once the timing is deemed suitable. The current initiative builds upon prior trilateral meetings between Ukrainian, US, and Russian delegations held in Geneva on 17–18 February. Kyiv is now preparing to host a delegation comprising Donald Trump's representatives, Kushner and Witkoff.

Zelensky established a defined calendar for substantive negotiations, placing the primary window of opportunity between late 2026 and mid-2027. He stated that the active diplomatic phase will open around the Group of 20 summit in Miami, scheduled for 14–15 December, and remain viable until the end of summer 2027 before the next US presidential campaign gets underway.

Wartime governance and electoral conditions

In parallel with peace discussions, Zelensky addressed the question of Ukrainian domestic elections, ruling out immediate votes while military operations continue. He stated that organizing nationwide elections during an invasion represents a severe risk that could fracture political cohesion.

Elections right now are a tsunami for the state that could divide Ukraine. Therefore, my strategy is to lead the country to the end of the war and preserve an independent and sovereign state.

Zelensky recalled his statement from the previous year, when he expressed willingness to forgo a future presidential bid if the conflict reached a formal conclusion. He noted that holding open, democratic elections would require strict security assurances, including polling access for active soldiers, ballot access in frontline districts, and voting provisions for millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad. Such conditions, he added, cannot be met until Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a cessation of hostilities.