President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on 11/12 that Ukraine had submitted an updated peace plan to the US. He added that this is a set of documents rather than a single text, with much still needing to be finalized. The administration of US President Donald Trump aims for a full understanding of the plan's status by Christmas.

However, Zelensky noted that the territorial issue remains unresolved. Russia seeks to control the entire Donbass region, including Donetsk and Lugansk provinces, a condition Ukraine "cannot accept."

"From our perspective, it would be reasonable to halt at the current positions, effectively freezing the frontline. Discussions have taken place regarding differing viewpoints, and the matter remains undecided," he said.

Zelensky in a photo posted on 10/12. *Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine*

President Zelensky stated the US proposed Ukraine withdraw troops from territories it still controls in the Donbass region to establish a "free economic zone" in these areas. Russia refers to this as a "demilitarized zone" where Moscow's forces would not advance.

According to Zelensky, the questions needing answers are who would administer those areas and how to ensure a fair withdrawal process. "If one side withdraws its troops, which they want Ukraine to do, why doesn't the other side withdraw by an equivalent distance in the opposite direction?" he asked, suggesting Russia should also withdraw from the territory it controls.

President Zelensky also questioned who would be responsible for overseeing the "free economic zone" to ensure Russian soldiers do not infiltrate the area "under the guise of civilians and seize control."

He believes a "fair proposal" is needed when discussing compromise, and it is not certain Ukraine would accept the current option. President Zelensky emphasized that the territorial issue must be decided by the Ukrainian people, through elections or a referendum.

The US has not commented on President Zelensky's statement but stated President Trump is "extremely disappointed" with both Russia and Ukraine. "He does not want to discuss this further; he wants action to end the war," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Areas controlled by Russia (in red) during the conflict with Ukraine. *Graphic: Telegraph*

Washington last month put forward a plan to end hostilities in Ukraine, seeking to persuade Moscow and Kyiv to accept it. The initial proposal comprised 28 points, including demands for Ukraine to cede some territory, accept limits on its military size, and cease pursuing NATO membership. This version met with opposition from Ukraine and European nations, citing its perceived bias towards Russia.

Russia currently controls an area equivalent to more than 19% of Ukraine's pre-2014 territory, including the Crimea peninsula, nearly all of Lugansk province, over 80% of Donetsk province, about 75% of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, and small parts of Kharkov, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk provinces.

By Pham Giang (According to CNN, AFP, Reuters)