Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Kyiv is ready for “honest work” with the United States after receiving a draft peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia.
US media reports suggest the proposal would require Ukraine to relinquish parts of Donbas it still controls, limit its military to 600,000 troops, pledge not to join NATO, and give up key weapons systems. In return, Ukraine would receive unspecified “reliable security guarantees,” including European fighter jets stationed in Poland.
The draft also proposes reintegrating Russia into the global economy, potentially restoring the G7 to the G8 concessions that appear to align with Moscow’s long-standing demands.
In a statement, Zelensky’s office said Ukraine had agreed to work through the plan’s provisions “in a way that would bring about a just end to the war.”
Zelensky is expected to discuss the plan with US President Donald Trump in the coming days, saying he “appreciated the efforts, to return security to Europe,” while insisting Ukrainians deserve a “worthy peace.”
US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected claims the plan forces major concessions from Ukraine, arguing “It’s a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine.”
A senior US official said that Kyiv’s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, had agreed to most provisions after suggesting several modifications.
But EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas distanced Europe from the process, “Not that I know of. For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged “contacts” with Washington but denied any structured talks, “No process that could be called ‘consultations’.”
He warned any agreement must address the “root causes” of the war shorthand for Russia’s sweeping territorial claims.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated:
“The future of Ukraine must be determined by Ukraine.”
Despite ongoing proposals, the conflict remains intense, A Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia Thursday killed at least five people. Earlier attacks on Ternopil left 26 dead, with more missing in the rubble. Russia claimed to have shot down 33 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Meanwhile, Trump now in his second presidential term has stepped up his push for a negotiated resolution, including meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and diplomatic missions to Kyiv and Moscow.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion nears, the two sides remain sharply divided over what peace should look like.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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