Zelensky Proposes Demilitarized Zones in Latest Ukraine Peace Plan In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled a new peace plan that includes the potential creation of demilitarized zones. This latest proposal comes as both Ukraine and Russia continue to grapple with the devastating impact of the war, which has now entered its second year. The key focus of Zelensky's plan is the future of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which has been the epicenter of the conflict since 2014. Zelensky has suggested the possibility of establishing a "free economic zone" in the Donbas, a concept that could potentially pave the way for a demilitarized buffer between Ukrainian and Russian-backed forces. The idea of demilitarized zones is not new in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Such zones have been proposed and discussed before, with varying degrees of success. In 2015, the Minsk agreements, brokered by France and Germany, called for the creation of a demilitarized zone around the line of contact in the Donbas. However, the implementation of this provision has been challenging, with both sides accusing the other of continued military activity in the region. Zelensky's latest proposal marks a shift in the Ukrainian government's approach to resolving the conflict. Instead of a complete withdrawal of Russian forces, the president is now exploring more nuanced solutions that could potentially allow for a degree of economic and social integration between the Donbas and the rest of Ukraine. The rationale behind this shift is likely multifaceted. Firstly, the prolonged nature of the conflict and the heavy toll it has taken on both sides have made a decisive military victory increasingly elusive. Zelensky and his team may have concluded that a more pragmatic, negotiated settlement is necessary to end the hostilities and begin the process of reconstruction and reconciliation. Secondly, the Donbas region has long been a point of contention between Ukraine and Russia. The area has a significant ethnic Russian population and has been the focal point of Russian-backed separatist movements since 2014. By proposing a "free economic zone," Zelensky may be attempting to find a compromise that addresses the region's unique dynamics while preserving Ukraine's territorial integrity. The concept of a demilitarized zone in the Donbas also holds potential strategic and security implications. Such a zone could serve as a buffer, reducing the risk of direct confrontation between Ukrainian and Russian-backed forces. This could, in turn, help to stabilize the region and pave the way for a lasting ceasefire. However, the success of this plan will depend on the willingness of both Ukraine and Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations and compromise. Russia has previously insisted on the recognition of the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in the Donbas, a demand that has been firmly rejected by Ukraine. Additionally, the details of how a "free economic zone" would function and be governed remain to be worked out. There are concerns that such a zone could become a haven for illicit activities or a source of instability if not properly managed. Despite these challenges, Zelensky's latest proposal represents a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It signals a recognition that a military solution may not be feasible and that a negotiated settlement, however imperfect, may be necessary to bring an end to the fighting. As the world continues to watch the unfolding events in Ukraine, the success or failure of Zelensky's peace plan will have far-reaching implications. It could potentially set the stage for a new phase of the conflict, one that focuses on economic integration and security cooperation rather than outright military confrontation. Ultimately, the path to peace in Ukraine remains arduous and uncertain. But Zelensky's latest proposal, with its focus on demilitarized zones and a "free economic zone" in the Donbas, offers a glimmer of hope that a diplomatic solution may still be possible, even in the face of the ongoing humanitarian and geopolitical crises.