Zelenskyy Reveals New Peace Deal Ideas After US Envoy Talks

By John Pranay (Editor)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed "new ideas" on a potential peace deal with Russia following a Christmas Day conversation with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks, which lasted nearly an hour, focused on "certain substantive details" of the ongoing work on a peace deal, although Zelenskyy did not specify the issues discussed. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude for the US envoys' constructive approach and thanked them for their Christmas greetings to the Ukrainian people.

The conversation between Zelenskyy and the US envoys marked the latest development in the ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy has been willing to withdraw troops from the Donbas region, a major sticking point in the negotiations, in exchange for Moscow's pullback and the establishment of a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces. The US has proposed making the Donbas region a "free economic zone," although it remains unclear what this would mean for governance or development of the area. Meanwhile, Russia's Kirill Dmitriev has been holding talks with the US side, with a meeting in Miami last weekend.

• December 24, 2025: Zelenskyy announces his willingness to withdraw troops from the Donbas region as part of a plan to end the war, if Moscow also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces.

• December 25, 2025: Zelenskyy holds a conversation with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, discussing "certain substantive details" of the ongoing work on a peace deal with Russia.

• December 20, 2025: Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, meets with US officials in Miami.

The ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have significant implications for the international community. The conflict in the Donbas region has resulted in significant human suffering and economic losses. A potential peace deal could pave the way for a resolution to the conflict and a return to stability in the region. However, the proposal to make the Donbas region a "free economic zone" raises questions about governance and development of the area, highlighting the complexity of the negotiations.

The conflict in the Donbas region has resulted in significant humanitarian consequences, including displacement of civilians, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life. A potential peace deal could alleviate some of these consequences, but it also raises concerns about the potential risks of a demilitarized zone, including the possibility of continued Russian influence in the region. Furthermore, the proposal to make the Donbas region a "free economic zone" could have significant regulatory and financial implications, potentially affecting the livelihoods of local residents.

The conversation between Zelenskyy and the US envoys highlights the complexities of the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. While the proposal to make the Donbas region a "free economic zone" may offer a potential compromise on control of the region, it also raises questions about governance and development of the area. Crucially, this overlooks the long-term consequences of a demilitarized zone, which could perpetuate Russian influence in the region. This suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to address the underlying issues driving the conflict, rather than simply seeking a quick fix.

On balance, this event screens as Bullish in our sentiment view.

1. Zelenskyy says he had "very good conversation" with Witkoff and Kushner on Christmas — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-zelenskyy-conversation-witkoff-kushner-christmas/

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.