Zelenskyy Signals January Signing for US-Endorsed Peace Framework

KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed today that the initial documents for a comprehensive peace plan will be ready for signature in January. This development signals that Kyiv is on track to officially agree to a United States-endorsed framework before the end of the month, a critical step that distinguishes the diplomatic roadmap from a final cessation of hostilities.

The expedited timeline is the direct result of a pivotal December 28 summit at Mar-a-Lago between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump. Following weeks of intensive negotiation, the leaders have reportedly coalesced around a "20-point peace framework." Zelenskyy characterized the broader plan as "90% agreed," while emphasizing that specific bilateral security guarantees with the United States are now "100% agreed."

Framework vs. Final Treaty

For observers tracking the trajectory of the conflict, the distinction between the upcoming January documents and a final peace treaty is decisive. The projected signing appears to fulfill the criteria of a U.S.-backed "roadmap" or framework agreement. Technical teams are scheduled to convene in Washington, D.C., in early January to close the remaining gaps in the text.

However, a direct signature on a peace deal involving the Russian Federation faces structural delays. While the U.S.-Ukraine leg of the agreement—the framework—is nearing completion, significant friction points remain regarding Russian demands. Officials acknowledge that the status of the Donbas region and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remain "thorny issues." Ukraine has steadfastly rejected proposals for joint management of the ZNPP that include Russian participation.

The Referendum Hurdle

Crucially, while a framework may be formalized in January, a comprehensive peace treaty ending hostilities faces a longer ratification timeline. President Zelenskyy has stated that any final deal involving territorial compromises would require approval via a national referendum. Such a vote, he noted, could only occur after a verified "period of silence" or ceasefire lasting at least 60 days.

This sequence suggests a split timeline: the formal acceptance of the U.S. framework is imminent, potentially resolving within weeks, whereas the execution of a final treaty signed by both Ukraine and Russia will almost certainly extend beyond the current month.

Security Architecture

The January documents are expected to anchor a new security architecture for Ukraine, involving commitments from the U.S., UK, France, and Germany. Zelenskyy has positioned these guarantees as a non-negotiable precondition for any cessation of hostilities, replacing previous, non-binding assurances.

With Washington pushing for a rapid diplomatic conclusion and Kyiv confirming the readiness of the documentation, the next few weeks will determine if the framework can transition from a draft proposal to an officially executed agreement.