Published December 12, 2025 — last updated December 12, 2025
Ukraine is seeking firm security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression after submitting an updated peace plan to the United States. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said guarantees are “among the most important elements for all subsequent steps” and has warned that any move to create a demilitarized zone would require clear policing and a referendum or election.
The US has been pressing Moscow and Kyiv to agree to a Washington-backed proposal but, despite intensified diplomacy, no breakthrough has been reached. Key sticking points include Russia’s demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of the eastern Donbas — including areas not currently occupied by Russia — US proposals for a demilitarized “free economic zone” as a buffer, and Ukraine’s insistence on concrete security assurances.
Zelenskyy questioned who would police a free economic zone and how it could be prevented from being exploited by disguised combatants. “If one side’s troops have to retreat and the other side stays where they are, then what will hold back these other troops?” he asked, stressing that any compromise must be fair.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said Washington would be prepared to help provide security in some form. “We would help with security because, in my opinion, it’s a necessary factor,” he said, without specifying details. Trump also indicated the US might attend a meeting in Europe on Saturday — reported by CNN to be in Paris — to discuss the peace plan, but only “if we think there’s a good chance” of making progress. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was “extremely frustrated” with both sides and “sick of meetings just for the sake of meeting.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested another meeting could follow in Berlin next week.
Military analysts note Ukraine is particularly reluctant to cede the remaining “fortress cities” in Donetsk — such as Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Pokrovsk — which form a heavily defended belt. Sky News military analyst Michael Clarke said the only reliable deterrent against further Russian moves would be credible force or the presence of allied troops backed by American forces, both of which are politically and practically difficult.
On the battlefield, Russian forces continue incremental advances and bombardments in eastern Ukraine. Russia claimed further small gains, including taking the town of Siversk in northern Donetsk, while towns like Dobropillia have suffered significant destruction. The conflict remains active as diplomats try to bridge deep gaps over territory, security arrangements and who would enforce any buffer or demilitarized zones.