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A draft US-backed proposal to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been shared with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who plans to discuss it with President Donald Trump in the upcoming days, according to Zelenskiy’s office. reports indicate that Washington has communicated to Zelenskiy that Kyiv must accept this framework, which involves territorial concessions and restrictions on Ukraine’s military forces.
European nations expressed opposition to this plan, warning that it would require Ukraine to cede more land and reduce its military capacity—conditions their allies have long viewed as tantamount to surrender.
Zelenskiy’s office stated, “We remain committed to working constructively with the U.S., as well as European and international partners, to achieve peace.” The discussions with Trump are expected to focus on the essential principles needed for a peaceful resolution. The office added, “The President of Ukraine outlined core principles valued by our people, and after today’s meeting, both sides agreed to refine the plan to bring about a fair end to the conflict.”
Previously, Zelenskiy and Trump had a tense exchange at the White House in March, which was seen as a setback for Zelenskiy, though subsequent interactions, including a summer visit, went more smoothly.
This renewed diplomatic activity coincides with Ukraine’s military facing setbacks on the battlefield and a domestic corruption scandal leading to the ousting of two cabinet ministers. Meanwhile, Russia downplayed the significance of any new U.S. initiative, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating, “There are no ongoing consultations or formal processes at this time.” He reiterated Russia’s position, emphasizing that any peace agreement must address the “root causes of the conflict,” a phrase Moscow has used to demand concessions.
As winter approaches, nearly 20% of Ukraine remains occupied by Russian forces, who are close to capturing the eastern railway hub of Pokrovsk for the first time in almost two years. Russia’s defense ministry recently released footage showing troops moving through the deserted streets of Pokrovsk, which is heavily damaged.
European Union foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels, refrained from detailed comments on the secret US plan but emphasized that they oppose demands for Ukraine to make harsh concessions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot affirmed, “Ukrainians seek a just and durable peace that respects sovereignty, but peace cannot be a capitulation.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul mentioned that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Wintour had stressed the importance of close coordination with European partners.
The White House has not publicly addressed the proposals, but U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted on social media that efforts to develop ideas for ending the war are ongoing, emphasizing that “achieving lasting peace will require difficult but necessary compromises from both sides.”
A U.S. military delegation, led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff Randy George, was scheduled to meet with Zelenskiy late Thursday. Prior to that, they had a discussion with Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who stated that securing Ukrainian airspace, expanding ability to strike deep into Russia, and stabilizing the front lines are crucial steps toward securing a fair peace.
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