• Ukrainian President Zelensky proposes referendum on territorial control amidst US pressures.
• The US urges the creation of a “free economic zone” in the Donetsk region, where Ukraine currently holds territory.
• Negotiations center on territory control and security guarantees amid ongoing military tensions.
• Zelensky emphasizes the need for Ukrainian public input on any territorial concessions.
• US pressure mounts for Ukraine to agree on a peace deal with Russia by Christmas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently floated the idea of holding a referendum regarding territorial control in eastern Ukraine as negotiations with the US and Russia intensify. This proposal comes against a backdrop of increasing pressure on Ukraine to agree to terms related to the ongoing conflict, particularly concerning areas in the Donetsk region. Zelensky stated, “The Russians want the whole of Donbas – we don’t accept that,” reinforcing his stance that any territorial changes must be determined by the Ukrainian people, either through elections or a referendum, according to SCMP, BBC, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

During discussions with US officials, Zelensky revealed that the US proposes Ukraine withdraw its forces from the Donetsk region to establish a “free economic zone” in areas currently under Ukrainian control. This concept aligns with an earlier plan from Russian authorities to create a “demilitarised zone”. However, Zelensky cautioned against unilateral withdrawals, emphasizing that both parties must mutually agree to any territorial adjustments, stating, “Why doesn’t the other side of the war pull back the same distance in the other direction?” This indicates a complex negotiation landscape, reflecting the precarious situation that continues to evolve on the ground, according to BBC, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

The negotiations have gained urgency, with claims that US President Donald Trump is seeking a resolution by Christmas, putting additional pressure on Kyiv to finalize terms. Discussions have focused primarily on the governance of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and security guarantees following any potential ceasefire. Zelensky indicated that the security agreements formed an essential aspect of any future peace proposal, reflecting concerns over ongoing Russian military aggression and the need for clear mechanisms to prevent future hostilities, as stated by SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

As the situation evolves, Zelensky has reiterated that any territorial concessions must be transparently endorsed by the Ukrainian populace, indicating that the emerging peace framework must reflect a democratic process. He asserted the need for Ukraine to maintain its military strength post-conflict and posited that a robust army is a fundamental component of any reconstruction efforts moving forward. The discussions continue to evolve, reflecting the complicated interplay between military strategy and diplomatic negotiations, according to BBC, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.