According to sources, Mr. Zelensky's offer of a demilitarized zone came with a condition: Russia would have to pull its forces from an equivalent stretch of land in Donetsk. This condition highlights the significant gaps that remain between Ukraine and Russia, as the Kremlin has given no indication that it is willing to accept anything less than full control over the region. The proposal forms part of a revised 20-point peace plan that was drawn up by Ukraine and the United States in the past few weeks and that Mr. Zelensky presented to reporters in Kyiv on Tuesday.

In a statement, Mr. Zelensky emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, saying, "We are willing to make concessions, but we will not compromise on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine." The Ukrainian president's willingness to compromise has been met with cautious optimism by international observers, who see it as a necessary step towards finding a lasting peace.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, with the Donetsk region being a major flashpoint. The region has been the site of intense fighting between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The conflict has also had significant economic and humanitarian implications, with many residents of the region struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.

The proposal for a demilitarized zone in Donetsk is seen as a significant development in the peace process, as it addresses one of the key sticking points in negotiations. However, the condition that Russia must pull its forces from an equivalent stretch of land in Donetsk is likely to be a major hurdle in the negotiations. The Kremlin has been unwilling to compromise on its control over the region, and it remains to be seen whether they will accept Mr. Zelensky's proposal.

The current status of the peace talks is uncertain, with both sides remaining committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the significant gaps between Ukraine and Russia make it difficult to predict a successful outcome. As the negotiations continue, international observers will be watching closely to see whether the two sides can find common ground and move towards a lasting peace.

In related developments, the United States has been actively involved in the peace talks, with U.S. officials working closely with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to find a resolution. The U.S. has also been providing significant economic and military aid to Ukraine, which has been critical in supporting the country's efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. As the situation in Donetsk continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see whether the two sides can find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.