President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the development on Tuesday following talks with Trump’s representative, former Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell, who has taken a central role in Washington’s renewed diplomatic push to end the nearly three-year-old conflict.
Zelensky said the discussions yielded “clarity on the United States’ position and its vision for a just peace,” while stressing that Ukraine would not accept any settlement that compromises its sovereignty, security, or internationally recognised borders.
“We appreciate the continued engagement of the United States. There is an understanding on the principles that must guide any negotiation,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine’s territorial integrity cannot be the subject of bargaining.”
Grenell, appointed by Trump to lead what the former president has called an urgent effort to end the war, is expected to present the US framework to Putin during a meeting in Moscow this week.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Putin will receive the envoy but has offered no details of the agenda. Moscow has repeatedly insisted that any viable agreement must reflect what it calls “new realities” — a reference to Russian military gains and its unilateral annexations, which Ukraine and the international community reject.
The latest diplomatic manoeuvres come amid intensified fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have stepped up offensive operations. Kyiv has warned that concessions made under pressure would only embolden Moscow.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Kyiv’s position remains unchanged: “No peace plan can legitimise aggression. The path to peace requires the withdrawal of Russian troops and security guarantees that prevent renewed attacks.”
The Trump team has not disclosed specifics of the proposal, but US officials have hinted at phased de-escalation steps, monitored ceasefires, and long-term security arrangements involving European partners.
While Ukraine has cautiously welcomed diplomatic efforts, several Western allies are wary that the US initiative may pressure Kyiv into premature concessions.
Grenell is expected to travel back to Kyiv after his talks in Moscow to continue what he described as a “difficult but necessary process.”
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