Zelenski proposes a new version of the peace plan and defends a referendum on Donbas' sovereignty

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski has stated that a new version of the draft peace agreement has been sent to the US and has argued that any decision affecting the sovereignty of the eastern territories currently occupied by Russia should be taken by referendum.

Zelenski explained that the version transmitted to the White House not only reflects Ukraine's position, but also that of the European Union. "It is not a definitive plan, but a response to what we receive," he detailed in statements in Kiev.

"Today it is difficult to predict the content of the final document. The Russians want the whole of Donbas, but of course we do not accept it," he said. He also explained that the development of the 20 key points of the draft will determine the course of many of the issues that still need to be addressed.

With regard to the sovereignty of the territories occupied by Russia, Zelenski has stressed the need to respect the views of the Ukrainian people through elections or referendums. "The Ukrainian people will answer the question," he said, adding that one of the main differences is how to manage the future of the Donetsk region.

Zelenski has also reported that the United States has submitted a proposal on possible security guarantees, which will be reviewed and returned to Washington with its contributions. "We will incorporate our ideas," he said, pointing out that "in a few days" a document will be sent to the American side.

With regard to the size of the Armed Forces, Zelenski has insisted that around 800,000 people will remain close to the current figures, according to the latest draft, which required a further reduction in previous plans.

On the other hand, he has urged Parliament to prepare legal amendments to allow elections to be held in wartime. "The important thing is to do so in a legitimate manner." "If our partners can help organize the electoral process safely and in a timely manner, I will support it," he added.

In reference to Hungary, Zelensky believes that Trump has "some instruments of influence" to unblock Ukraine's EU path, but as far as NATO is concerned, the United States is not working on it. "They don't want to see us there."

Finally, he warned that the negotiations are subject to many risks and that it does not rule out Russia finally retracting. "We are doing everything we can to make it work; we are acting constructively," he explained.

"I don't see them wanting to end the war, but they don't want the economic situation to get any worse, and it will be (...). It will be even more difficult if Trump is told they won't end the war; it will go further and increase the pressure," Zelenski said.