Key Facts
• Ukrainian President Zelensky proposes referendum on peace plan with territorial concessions.
• Plan contingent on Russia agreeing to a 60-day ceasefire.
• Zelensky aims to secure agreement during December 28 meeting with former U.S. President Trump.
• U.S. proposal includes ceding eastern Ukrainian territories; Zelensky seeks concessions from Trump.
• If Trump rejects, Zelensky will put the entire peace plan to a public vote.
• Public backlash expected if territorial concessions are included in the referendum.
• December 27: Zelensky, Trump, and European leaders to hold a phone conference on peace talks.
Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to hold a referendum on a peace proposal involving territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine, provided Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. Zelensky aims to finalize the plan during a December 28 meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, seeking concessions on a U.S.-proposed plan that includes ceding eastern territories. If Trump rejects the proposal, Zelensky intends to present the entire peace plan to the Ukrainian public for a vote. The move is expected to face significant public opposition. Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky, Trump, and European leaders will hold a phone conference on December 27 to advance peace negotiations.
