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Zelensky proposes ceasefire and Donbas free-economic zone plan

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a ceasefire and free-economic-zone proposal to end the war.
He said the diplomatic window runs from the December 2026 G20 summit until summer 2027.
The draft with United States and European officials outlines EU and NATO roles.
A senior Russian diplomat said any settlement must reflect “realities on the ground.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a third-party free economic zone in Donbas is unlikely because it is Russian.

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Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a ceasefire and free-economic-zone proposal to end the war.
He said the diplomatic window runs from the December 2026 G20 summit until summer 2027.
The draft with United States and European officials outlines EU and NATO roles.
A senior Russian diplomat said any settlement must reflect “realities on the ground.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a third-party free economic zone in Donbas is unlikely because it is Russian.